Kobe Bilingual School

KOBILS operates under the slogan 'lots of learning, lots of fun,' aiming to foster a love for learning while promoting bilingualism. The school focuses on developing 'SKILL-ful' children—those who are strong, kind, independent, and lifelong learners—by encouraging curiosity, self-assessment, and goal setting rather than comparing students to one another. It promotes a positive, inclusive environment where children are prepared to face life's challenges with confidence and compassion.

The school offers a comprehensive range of programs, including a licensed small-scale nursery for ages 0-3, a kindergarten for ages 3-6, and an elementary school for ages 6-12. The elementary curriculum is bilingual, integrating English and Japanese instruction across subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology. Additionally, the school provides Saturday school, after-school care, and programs for middle and high school students.

The school aims to develop 'SKILL-ful' learners who are strong, kind, independent, and lifelong learners. By the end of the six-year elementary program, students are expected to possess the academic proficiency required to enter international school grade 7 or Japanese junior high schools. The curriculum focuses on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

The school emphasizes a supportive environment where students build trusting relationships with their teachers. Weekly review sessions allow students to express themselves in their mother tongue, and an anonymous suggestion box is available for sharing concerns or ideas. New students are paired with older peers to assist with their transition, and the school provides tailored support for students learning Japanese or English as a second language.

The school accepts applications for its kindergarten, elementary, and Saturday school programs. The admissions process involves downloading an application form and prospectus from the school's website, with a first application period typically running in September for kindergarten and elementary, and October for the Saturday school. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school for inquiries or to schedule a visit.

The school operates on a three-term academic year, typically beginning in April and concluding in March. The calendar includes regular breaks such as Golden Week, summer holidays, and winter holidays, alongside specific school events like sports days, science fairs, career weeks, and seasonal parties. The school also provides seasonal childcare programs during spring, summer, and winter breaks.

The school is located in the Tarumi Ward of Kobe and operates across multiple sites in the Momoyamadai area, including a dedicated elementary school building and a park campus. Facilities include classrooms for bilingual instruction, a library with extensive reading materials, and a playground for outdoor activities. The school also utilizes external venues for specialized physical education classes.

Students participate in a variety of activities designed to foster curiosity and skill development. These include a weekly gymnastics club, swimming, tennis, and futsal, as well as school-based activities like dodgeball, soccer, and running. Additionally, the school hosts events such as career weeks, science fairs, and seasonal parties, and maintains a 'KOBILS Farm' where students engage in vegetable cultivation.