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Kobe Bilingual School

Japan, Kobe

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Japanese
Fees ¥756,000 - 882,000
Ages 3 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2005
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 13
Strengths Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Kobe Bilingual School (KOBILS) is a bilingual international school in Momoyamadai, Tarumi Ward (west Kobe), offering full-time programs for Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). The school describes its approach as English immersion with Japanese also taught, including Kokugo, and support for Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) for some students. KOBILS states that its curriculum blends Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence with elements of Japan’s education guidelines as a KOBILS original curriculum. Class sizes are about 13 students, up to a maximum of 20. Distinctive features include a life skills curriculum that teaches practical finance (including budgeting and banking) and an annual Careers Week with visiting professionals.

655-0854 Hyogo, Kobe, Tarumi-ku, Momoyamadai, 7 Chome−１−25

The Essentials

Kobe Bilingual School has typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English, Japanese.

Location
KOBILS operates across two campuses in Kobe's Tarumi Ward. The Elementary and Kindergarten programs are housed at Momoyamadai 7-1-25, Tarumi, Kobe, with a separate Momoyamadai Nursery School at 4-4-13 Momoyamadai in Tarumi. The Tarumi area is on the west side of Kobe, and maps are provided for both campuses to help with arrival and access.

Stages
KOBILS offers a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, split into Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). The Kindergarten site runs on weekdays (Monday–Friday) with age-appropriate English immersion and some Japanese instruction, while the Elementary program follows a CfE/Japanese curriculum mix for students aged 6–12.

Type
KOBILS is a co-educational day school. It provides afterschool/daycare options and related programs, with no boarding facilities mentioned.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The majority of students are local residents, including Japanese nationals, mixed-race families, and long-term foreign residents. The school states its curriculum is developed with local residents in mind and aims for a bilingual environment, reflecting a diverse community. Exact numbers or nationalities are not published.

Additional learning support
The school uses mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English and Japanese, supporting diverse learning needs within the bilingual framework. There is no explicit, publicly listed SEN program, but in-house differentiation and level-based groups are described as part of the curriculum features.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation. The curriculum blends elements from Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and other components.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated in the school's program and materials.

School day structure
The school day runs 9:00–15:30, Monday to Friday. Kindergarten and Elementary have similar daily schedules with incorporated language and subject blocks and a lunch period.

Bus service
A school bus service is available. For kindergarten routes, a monthly bus fee is listed at ¥6,000; Akashi routes are ¥9,000 per month. Families may also arrange other transit options (walking or car) as part of daily arrival.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Kyushoku (Japanese school lunch) is provided; a Japanese-style freshly prepared meal with lots of vegetables; children assist with serving lunch in a Japanese style.

Governance and Ownership
KOBILS is teacher-owned. Janina Tubby is the owner, principal and director.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kobe Bilingual School ranges from JPY 756,000 to JPY 882,000 for 2026/27.

Application and one‑time fees
- Application and Interview Fee: ¥20,000.
- Entrance (one‑time) fee: Kindergarten ¥100,000. Elementary ¥200,000 (credit applied if entrance fee already paid for Kindergarten).

Tuition and recurring fees — Kindergarten (age 3–6)
- Tuition: ¥63,000 per month; billed as ¥63,000 × 12 = ¥756,000 per year. Equivalent per school term (annual ÷ 3) = ¥252,000 per term.
- Kyushoku (school lunch): ¥6,500 per month; ¥6,500 × 12 = ¥78,000 per year.
- School bus (standard routes): ¥6,000 per month; ¥6,000 × 12 = ¥72,000 per year. Akashi route: ¥9,000 per month; ¥9,000 × 12 = ¥108,000 per year.
- Annual materials fee: ¥24,000.
- Annual facility fee: ¥60,000.
- Summer school (two weeks) costs are included in Kindergarten tuition.
- Many Kindergarten families use a monthly payment plan.

Tuition and recurring fees — Elementary School (age 6–12)
- Tuition: ¥73,500 per month; billed as ¥73,500 × 12 = ¥882,000 per year. Equivalent per school term (annual ÷ 3) = ¥294,000 per term.
- Kyushoku (school lunch): ¥8,500 per month; billed over 11 months = ¥93,500 per year.
- School bus (standard routes): ¥6,000 per month; billed over 11 months = ¥66,000 per year. Akashi route: ¥9,000 per month; billed over 11 months = ¥99,000 per year.
- Annual facility fee: ¥60,000. Annual materials fee: ¥60,000. Trip fee: ¥35,000.
- Summer school (optional): ¥70,000. Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) program (where taken): ¥300,000.
- One‑time requirement: Students must purchase an iPad. (Cost borne by the family.)
- Application and Interview Fee: ¥20,000 (one‑time). Entrance fee: ¥200,000 for Elementary (less any entrance fee already paid at Kindergarten). Tax is not included in the fees listed.
- Tuition payment plans are available for Elementary families.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Published fees are shown as monthly rates with annual totals; many families are billed or pay on a monthly plan. Specific term invoicing or exact invoice dates are not published with the fee schedule. The school operates on three academic terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3) with term date ranges published in the school calendar.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not provided as part of this school's programs; no boarding fees apply. The school is organized as day programs for ages 3–12.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Uniforms: No mandatory uniform fee is published for the Kindergarten or Elementary programs. If a uniform or optional school clothing is introduced, cost is not listed in the published fee schedule.
- Consumables and incidental costs: Materials fee, facility fee, trip fee, lunch, bus, and device (iPad) purchase obligations are listed above and are the main additional costs to budget for. Tax is not included in the listed amounts.

Refund information
- No separate, detailed public refund policy for tuition, entrance fees, or other fees is published alongside the fee schedule and admissions pages. No specific refund terms (for example, for withdrawal, cancellation, or unused services) are listed in the published fee material.

Fee payment options
- The published materials list monthly billing and note that payment plans are available, but do not list specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) or payment processing providers in the publicly posted fee pages. No explicit payment method list is published on the contact or fees pages. Families should expect common methods (bank transfer or school invoicing arrangements) to be used, with formal options confirmed by the school.

Summary of missing or unpublished details
- The published fee schedule provides clear monthly and annual amounts, one‑time entrance and application fees, lunch and bus rates, and listed annual/optional program charges. The published materials do not state an explicit refund policy for tuition/fees, do not provide exact invoice dates for term billing, and do not list accepted payment methods. For billing dates, refund terms, and specific payment instructions, there is no detailed public statement accompanying the fee schedule.
Academics

Kobe Bilingual School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
Kobe Bilingual School (KOBILS) provides a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, with Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12) located in Kobe; English immersion is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese Kokugo taught at the same grade level and cross-curricular discussion in Japanese. The Elementary program blends Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and Social Studies/Ethics, using mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English, Japanese, and mathematics to support progression at different paces. The CfE/KOBILS curriculum covers eight subject areas—English (Languages A), Japanese (Languages B), Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Expressive Arts, Sciences, Social Studies, and Technologies—with Ethics embedded as a cross-cutting religious/moral education component. KOBILS places emphasis on language balance, with English immersion prioritized in early years and language balance decisions made from Grade 4, supported by level-specific English and Japanese instruction and cross-curricular projects. The school operates as a free school and seeks accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) within a multi-year plan; it is currently listed as unapproved in comparative materials. The curriculum is designed for progression to international schools by Grade 7/Year 8/S2 after Grade 6, aligning CfE outcomes with Japanese pathways and project-based learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
KOBILS supports social and emotional learning through a weekly curriculum review where children discuss and reflect on their week in their native language, with opportunities for feedback and expressing concerns to support pastoral care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
KOBILS provides inclusive practices evidenced by mobility-accessible facilities (elevator, widened doors, accessible toilet) to support students with mobility challenges; information on a dedicated SEN program or specialist SEN staff is not publicly disclosed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is integrated via English immersion with Japanese instruction, with the minority language prioritized in Kindergarten and early grades; there is no separate EAL program publicly disclosed.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is considered in health and safety planning, with the policy noting balance of hygiene and safety measures with mental health concerns.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and safety are prioritized: KOBILS is fully registered with Kobe City, maintains a high staff‑to‑student ratio with qualified hoikushi and nursery staff, and uses SECOM security.
Parent Experience

History
KOBILS began in 2005 as EnglishDream, an English conversation school founded by Janina Tubby. In 2008, rising demand for an English-immersion preschool led to the name Kobe Bilingual School and the opening of a full-time kindergarten in Momoyamadai, along with afterschool and Saturday programs. KOBILS added junior high in 2011 for graduates of the elementary program. In 2012, a separate preschool class for ages 2-3 opened and the kindergarten moved to a separate location in Momoyamadai. From 2014 to 2019, KOBILS relocated and expanded facilities: in 2014 the kindergarten moved to a larger location at Aza Takamaru in Higashi Tarumi; a daycare opened in 2015; Momo Park became the base for elementary afterschool and Saturday classes in 2016; KOBILS Primary began at Momo Park in 2017; and a new Elementary building opened in Momoyamadai 7-chome in 2019.

Community
KOBILS is located in Tarumi, Kobe, and promotes English/Japanese bilingualism with SKILL (Strong, Kind, Inquisitive, Lifelong Learners). The community emphasizes joyful learning and a friendly culture where children are encouraged to become lifelong learners. KOBILS News features Careers Week each year, where professionals visit to share their work with students, and online information sessions for prospective families. KOBILS Farm engages elementary and kindergarten students in hands-on vegetable farming as part of its learning culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A formal PTA is not described on the site. (No source) A 2022 Parent Survey indicates ongoing parent involvement. KOBILS News includes Careers Week where professionals visit to discuss their work with students. Online information sessions for prospective families have been held with positive feedback. Family involvement is also supported through programs such as KOBILS Farm and accessibility improvements that invite community participation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
KOBILS operates two main campuses for elementary and kindergarten at Momoyamadai 7-1-25, Tarumi, Kobe, with Shokibo Hoikuen Daycare at Momoyamadai 4-4-13; a separate preschool site at Aza-takamaru is also part of the program. The school uses mixed-language learning within Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) alongside Japan's Kokugo, with English immersion as the core language. The Kindergarten site sits on a hillside with an on-site playground and garden, and there are extensive outdoor spaces for play and sports. Regular physical activity is supported by weekly gym instruction at Gamba Gym and on-site sports like soccer, badminton and gymnastics. Technology resources are integrated across the curriculum, with students in the Momo Park program expected to have an iPad and access to a dedicated IT class and online materials; Japanese-style lunch is served to students and they participate in serving meals. The facilities are accessible, featuring an elevator to all three floors and widened doors for mobility needs, and there is a library available within Shokibo Hoikuen Daycare.

Sports Facilities
On-site spaces include a hillside Kindy playground and garden with outdoor play and room for activities such as soccer, badminton and gymnastics. Kindergarten programs incorporate weekly PE and gym activities, including a partnership with Gamba Gym (James Yama) for professional gym instruction. Summer swimming is held at Shioya pool. Dance in PE and other movement-based activities are supported by external instructors, contributing to a broad physical-education program.

Academic Facilities
Technology is integrated across the curriculum: the program requires an iPad for students at the Momo Park campus and offers a dedicated IT class with apps and online materials. There is no explicit on-site library listed for the main campuses; a library is available at Shokibo Hoikuen Daycare for borrowing books in Japanese and English. The curriculum combines CfE with elements of Japan's Kokugo and social studies, emphasizing learning outcomes and cross-curricular project work rather than a single-test focus. Learning environments include reading, writing, and project-based activities, with ample time for cross-curricular inquiry and practical life skills integrated into the program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music and arts are prominent components of the program: a specialist music teacher visits on Fridays, pianica is offered, and Christmas concerts are held. Arts and crafts and dance are regularly incorporated into the curriculum, with external instructors contributing to PE and dance activities. The program also emphasizes life-skills projects, such as managing a local post office account and budgeting, and there are long lunch breaks and cross-curricular projects. After-school and weekend options include Saturday School, Afterschool JHS/SHS, Afterschool Daycare, and a Summer School program. Regular events and field trips, including park visits and sports-related activities, support a holistic, experiential learning experience.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Saturday School blends a strong academic program with social opportunities to use English for communication and play. It uses native English course materials and offers a Project and Science program on Saturday afternoons. Students are placed in level-appropriate classes and can move between classes as needed, with progress assessed in CEFR terms. Termly field trips and events, such as hiking at Nunobiki Falls and visits to the Osaka Science Museum, supplement classroom learning.

Arts & Creative
Afterschool Daycare includes daily themes with crafts as part of the schedule. Saturday School features a Regular Performance Day where students present skits or songs to parents, supporting expressive arts. The program maintains a large English-language library with borrowing rights to encourage reading and creative projects. Termly parties and events further incorporate creative activities and celebrations.

Cultural & Language
The program provides a bilingual environment with English immersion and native or fluent English instruction to support language development and cultural exchange. It uses English-language course materials and emphasizes communication and play in English beyond strictly academic work. Assessments follow the Common European Framework (CEFR) to track progress across language skills. Careers Week is held to expose students to a range of professions and cultural contexts.

Social & Hobbies
The programs offer social opportunities and activities, including termly Fun Days, parties, and trips. A free bus service is available to several surrounding areas, with weekday options depending on demand. The Saturday School library and organized activities encourage social engagement and peer interaction in English. Regular field trips and events provide informal, interest-based experiences outside the classroom.

Leadership & Professional
Afterschool JHS/SHS provides Independent Learning Plans (ILPs) and level-appropriate coursework with ongoing assessment aligned to curriculum goals, supporting individual leadership and professional development through targeted feedback. The program emphasizes English immersion and tailored instruction to help students prepare for higher levels of study. Elementary School runs Careers Week, where professionals visit to share their work and insights, helping students explore future pathways and leadership roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Afterschool Daycare includes time for free play, park time, and outdoor activities as part of a daily schedule. Saturday School incorporates field trips and social activities that promote physical activity and wellbeing. A bus service supports safe and convenient access to activities, while a large English library supports reading as a stress-reducing, recreational activity. Regular performances and social events also contribute to students' social-emotional wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught at KOBILS are English and Japanese. English is the dominant language of instruction in the majority of classes, with Japanese taught as Kokugo and included in the curriculum. The program promotes bilingualism in English and Japanese. Japanese-as-a-second-language provision and language support exist for non-native speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
Kobe Bilingual School operates a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12. The majority of instruction is in English through immersion, while Japanese Kokugo is taught at the same grade level as in a Japanese shougakko. Cross-curricular discussion time is scheduled in Japanese to support bilingual understanding. The program also provides a Japanese-as-a-second-language curriculum for visiting international students to learn Japanese alongside English.

Immersion Programs
English immersion is the core method; English is the primary language of instruction in most classes. Japanese Kokugo is integrated at the same grade level and cross-curricular discussions occur in Japanese. A Japanese-as-a-second-language curriculum is available for visiting international students to continue learning in English while also acquiring Japanese.
Reputation

Accreditations
None. Kobe Bilingual School is currently not accredited by any external accrediting body. The site notes that the school is a free school and that it intends to seek Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation within three years, and is also exploring Gakko Hojin status as part of its five-year plan.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Program options. Kobe Bilingual School offers a Kindergarten program for children aged 3 to 6, and an Elementary program for children aged 6 to 12. A Saturday School program is also available as part of its offerings. The school is located at 7-1-25 Momoyamadai, Tarumi, Kobe.

2. Application periods. For Kindergarten, there are two application periods: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. For Elementary, the periods mirror Kindergarten: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. The application windows are listed on the New Student Application Process page.

3. Application forms and guidelines. Kindergarten applicants can download the Kindergarten application form and guidelines; Elementary applicants can download the Elementary application form and guidelines. There is also an Enquiry Form available for general inquiries.

4. Application fields and submission. The application form collects basic contact information, including Name, Email, and Phone. A CAPTCHA is present on the form to verify entrants.

5. Fees at application. The application requires an Application and Interview Fee of ¥20,000. Kindergarten Entrance Fee is ¥100,000.

6. Interview and admissions steps. An interview is part of the admissions process as indicated by the Application and Interview Fee.

7. Enrollment and initial payment. If admitted, the Entrance Fee and other one-time charges are due at enrollment (Kindergarten Entrance Fee: ¥100,000; Elementary Entrance Fee: ¥200,000, less any Kindergarten entrance fee paid).

8. Ongoing costs and payment options. Kindergarten tuition is ¥63,000 per month for 12 months, with Kyushoku (lunch) at ¥6,500 per month and a School Bus option at ¥6,000 per month (Akashi routes may be ¥9,000). Annual Fees include Materials ¥24,000 and Facility ¥60,000. One-time fees include Entrance ¥100,000 and an Application/Interview Fee ¥20,000. Tuition payment plans are available.

Scholarships
No scholarships are listed on the Kobe Bilingual School site. The 2025 Admission Materials include an application and brochure with no scholarship information, and the Fees page lists standard charges (tuition, lunch, bus, materials, facility, entrance, and application/interview fees) without mentioning scholarship programs.

Waitlist
The site does not publish a formal waitlist or pool policy. Application periods include a Period 2 Rolling Entry with restricted entry, indicating capacity controls. There is no publicly described waitlist process beyond the rolling-entry approach.
School Events
The school has not added events
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