Marist Brothers International School

MBIS integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout its curriculum to support the emotional, social, and ethical development of every student. SEL at MBIS fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships, and equips students with tools to manage their emotions, set goals, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The approach emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making as core competencies. MBIS maintains a safeguarding focus and has a dedicated team to address student safety and wellbeing. Counseling services are available to support students' mental and emotional well-being, including a Guidance Counselor and a Social/Emotional Counselor who work with students across grades. The MBIS safeguarding team and policies are designed to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.

MBIS provides specialized support for students with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special needs. The school has a Director of Student Support Services and a Whole School Counselor who coordinate student support across the campus. Admissions state that MBIS welcomes all applicants, but personnel and facilities may not be equipped to accommodate the full range of student needs; admissions and placement decisions are made on an individual basis. MBIS maintains a Student Services framework that includes a Medical Office staffed by a Medical Officer and a Nurse to address health and well-being needs. Counseling services explicitly address developmental and special needs as part of MBIS's support offerings. Given the above, MBIS provides SEN-related support primarily through counseling and student support staff rather than a publicly catalogued, centralized SEN program.

English is the primary language of instruction at MBIS. The school serves a multilingual community with over 20 languages spoken. MBIS accepts students who are still developing their English; the admissions FAQ notes a preference for an age-appropriate level of English but that language-learning students can be considered. There is a Marist English School program described on MBIS's site that teaches English as a second language to younger learners. These elements indicate that MBIS supports EAL learners through both in-school acceptance of learners and an external English language program for younger students.

MBIS prioritizes mental and emotional well-being alongside academics, with Counseling Services available to students. The school provides a Guidance Counselor for academic and university planning, and a Social/Emotional Counselor for developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping strategies. Counseling sessions are confidential and offered in person or online, with dedicated ways to arrange appointments (e.g., through the school's wellbeing platform). Counselors help students address issues such as stress, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, supporting them across the school journey. The counseling framework explicitly notes collaboration with specialists when needed to support student well-being.

MBIS is committed to child protection and safeguarding, aligning with the Japanese Act on the Prevention of Child Abuse and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The school's safeguarding policies and practices align with the standards of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and other accrediting bodies. A dedicated MBIS Child Saf safeguarding Team responds to concerns about student safety and collaborates with parents, school colleagues, and authorities as needed. Staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and receive ongoing safeguarding training with clear reporting procedures. Counseling services are part of safeguarding, with pathways to involve specialists when appropriate to protect student well-being.