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Japan, Kobe
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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.
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.
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.
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.
