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Deutsche Schule Kobe International

Japan, Kobe

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees ¥1,609,000 - 1,876,950
Ages 1 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1909
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), German Curriculum
Taught languages German, Japanese, English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Deutsche Schule Kobe International is a school on Rokko Island serving ages 1 to 18. The school teaches in English, German and Japanese, with a German curriculum aligned to the Thüringer Lehrplan for German speakers and Japanese mother tongue programme for families. In the Early Years and Primary, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme while mathematics and language are taught through the Cambridge Primary Programme. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge courses lead to the IGCSE, taught in English alongside German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31 the Diploma Programme will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is studied as a higher-level foreign language and Japanese may be available at native speaker level. The campus is eco-friendly and on Rokko Island. Facilities include swimming for pupils, specialist music and art, and a range of after-school clubs, coding, robotics and 3D modelling through STEM activities.

3 Chome-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032, Japan

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Kobe International has typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, German.

Location
Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan

Stages
Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years

Type
International school; IB World School with multilingual instruction in English, German and Japanese; Cambridge International Programmes for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary starting 2026/27; German Thüringer Curriculum for German-native students.

Additional learning support
Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.

Country affiliation
Germany

School day structure
Playgroup runs Thursday mornings (1–2 years). Early Years and Primary Years run Monday–Friday, 8:30–15:30. A typical Primary day includes a 7:50 arrival, classes from 8:35, and activities up to 5:00 pm (late room, optional).
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
DSKI is a private, non-profit international school.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Kobe International ranges from JPY 1,609,000 to JPY 1,876,950 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees
- Application fee: JPY 50,000.
- Registration (enrolment) fee: JPY 290,000.

Annual tuition (by programme / year group)
- Play Group (Five Tickets): JPY 7,500.
- Pre‑Kindergarten: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester (if split in two) or JPY 390,750 per quarter (if split in four).
- Early Years: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester or JPY 390,750 per quarter.
- Pre‑School: JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter.
- Primary School (Grades 1–6): JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter.

Annual mandatory / recurring fees and compulsory extras
- Technology fee: JPY 35,000 per year.
- Building and development fee: JPY 150,000 per year.
- Insurance: JPY 21,000 per year.
- Membership fee for School Association: JPY 15,000 per year.
- Course materials (Pre‑School – Grade 6): JPY 10,000 per year.
- PTA fee: JPY 4,000 per year.
- Yearbook fee: JPY 4,500 per year (where charged).

Optional / occasional extras
- Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 2 school trips: JPY 5,000 (per trip / annual item as listed).
- Grades 3–6 annual school trip / camp: JPY 80,000 (annual).
- School bus service (if booked): JPY 221,000 per year.
- Note: several items above are indicated as subject to 10% consumption tax; tax will be applied where specified.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school issues tuition invoices on an annual basis but offers different payment schedules: a single annual payment is preferred; families may also elect to be billed in two instalments or quarterly (pro‑rata billing is used for students enrolling part‑way through the year). Instalment equivalents shown above are calculated from the annual tuition and reflect those common billing splits.
- Students who register during the school year are charged tuition pro‑rated according to the quarter in which they enter. Existing enrolment contracts are automatically extended unless written resignation is received with the required notice (contractual notice provisions apply). In exceptional cases (for example, a family's sudden relocation for work) the school considers withdrawals outside the normal regulations upon documented request. Tuition adjustments on withdrawal are handled on a quarterly basis under the school's refund/withdrawal rules.

Refunds and withdrawal
- Registration, application, building & development, insurance, technology and membership fees are charged for all students on entry and are not refundable in most cases. Children who register but do not attend, or who leave within a defined payment period, are generally not entitled to a refund of those upfront fees. Tuition refunds for mid‑year withdrawal are handled pro‑rata on a quarterly basis; specific notice and documentation requirements apply for withdrawal and for exceptional waivers.

Boarding (residential) fees
- No boarding or residential programme fees are listed for Deutsche Schule Kobe International. The school operates as a day school for the early years and primary programmes and is expanding provision into secondary in the 2026–27 timeframe; no boarding charges are published for current programmes.

Other costs commonly incurred by families
- Transport to/from school where not using the school bus (local public transport costs) and any emergency medical or specialist activity charges are additional and billed separately where applicable. Uniforms are not listed in the public fee items above; families should budget separately for any personal supplies, optional after‑school clubs, lunches, and incidental school costs.

Fee payment options
- The school issues invoices to enrolled families; specific accepted payment methods (for example, international bank transfer/wire, domestic bank transfer, credit card or other online payment services) are managed through the school's finance office and by invoice processes. Families should expect to receive an invoice and payment instructions from the school's admissions/accounts team when a place is offered. (Payment method availability may vary by payer location and by the invoicing arrangement chosen.)
Academics

Deutsche Schule Kobe International teaches IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), German Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
DSKI is an IB World School offering a curriculum that blends IB with Cambridge programmes. In the Early Years and Primary Years, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, and all students learn German and Japanese, with Kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge International Programmes lead to the IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is taught as a higher-level foreign language, and Japanese may be offered at native speaker level; the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.

Higher Education Progression
The Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered from 2030/31 and the IB is recognised in most countries as a basis for university applications. The Deutsches Sprachdiplom II is available to support German university pathways, and the school plans to introduce Cambridge IGCSE programmes for broader higher education options.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning is embedded across the school. In Early Years, play-based learning supports social-emotional growth, language development, and problem-solving skills. Playgroup activities develop social skills and confidence in English. The IB Primary Years Programme includes Personal, Social & Emotional Education as part of its Units of Inquiry.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Small class sizes and optional one-on-one or small-group support provide personalized learning. Saturday School offers inclusive learning opportunities for SEN students. Move to Learn is an inclusive program that welcomes children with special needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Three languages are used at DSKI: English, German and Japanese. In Primary Years, English, German and Japanese are used in the programme. In Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary, the language of instruction is English, and German and Japanese are learned as languages. All students learn German and Japanese either at native speaker level or as a foreign language.

Mental Wellbeing
Move to Learn is an inclusive program designed to promote physical and mental development. Early Years learning supports emotional growth, social skills, and language confidence. The environment nurtures the academic, emotional, social, physical and creative growth of children.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1909, the Deutsche Schule Kobe International (DSKI) began as a small community school for the German community in Kobe. In 1963 the school moved to Rokko to a purpose-built site as enrollment rose to around 100 students. In 2002 the school opened to non-German students with the European School Kobe (ESK) English-language section, offering the IB Primary Years Programme alongside the German curriculum. The ESK/DSK partnership moved in 2009 to a new eco-friendly campus on Rokko Island. In 2015 the DSK/ESK partnership merged to form Deutsche Schule Kobe International (DSKI), an IB World School open to all nationalities, with English as the language of instruction, a native German language programme for the German community, and a Japanese mother tongue programme for the host community.

Community
DSKI is located on Rokko Island in Kobe and presents a small, family-like community in action. The campus has an international atmosphere with the student body representing many nationalities. The school is close to cultural facilities such as the Kobe City Koiso Memorial Museum of Art, Kobe Fashion Museum, and Kobe Artists Museum, reflecting a connected local context. Teachers and staff focus on inquiry-based learning within a close-knit environment that supports students' confidence and diverse perspectives.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) consists of parent and teacher representatives from each of the primary school and Early Years / Kindergarten classes who are elected as representatives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school sits on Rokko Island in Kobe city. The campus is eco-friendly and was completed in 2009.

Sports Facilities
Swimming lessons are provided for all children from early years up to grade 6.

Academic Facilities
The school is an IB World School with the Primary Years Programme (PYP). It follows the Thüringer Lehrplan for the German curriculum and is a Cambridge International School certified for Mathematics and Language. Languages offered are English, German, and Japanese.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Saturday School is a morning program for children aged 5 to 12 whose mother tongues are German, English or French. School life includes clubs / AGs and events, and there are summer and winter schools.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
DSKI is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in combination with the Cambridge Mathematics and Language curriculum. The multilingual education spans English, German, and Japanese for students aged 2 to 12. Learning is inquiry-based, guiding students to become confident, globally minded learners. Digital literacy is integrated through STEM subjects, including coding, robotics, and 3D modeling.

Arts & Creative
Music is taught with two specialist-led classes per week, where students develop their musical abilities through singing, learning instruments, composition, and music analysis. Art is integrated into IB PYP units to foster creative expression, critical thinking, and personal growth. Creativity and physical development are supported through music and art as part of the well-rounded curriculum.

Cultural & Language
DSKI runs a multilingual programme in English, German, and Japanese. Kokugo is taught for native speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) for non-native learners. The Languages section confirms English, German, and Japanese as the languages used in the multilingual environment. Saturday School offers courses in English, German, and French.

Social & Hobbies
DSKI offers around 20 after-school clubs each term across sports, music, language, arts, science, and movement, providing opportunities to explore new interests. Participation is optional and flexible.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Two weekly Physical Education lessons focus on movement, coordination, teamwork, and fitness, with activities in the rubberized school playground, multipurpose hall, grass sports field, and a swimming facility. This emphasis on active learning supports physical and mental well-being and fosters resilience. Well-rounded development also includes creativity and sports as part of the curriculum.
Languages

Language Provision
DSKI teaches English, German, and Japanese. English is the main language of instruction; German and Japanese are taught to all students, with English language development supported by an EAL programme. Japanese instruction includes Kokugo for native speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language (JLF) for others; German lessons can lead to Goethe Institute accreditation via one-on-one or small-group instruction.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the main language of instruction; German and Japanese are taught to all students, with fluency developed through immersive learning. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports students who need English development to access the curriculum. One-on-one or small-group German lessons can be arranged for Goethe Institute accreditation; Japanese is offered as Kokugo for native speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language (JLF) for others.

Immersion Programs
German and Japanese are taught through immersive learning to develop fluency. English remains the main language of instruction within a multilingual curriculum. Language enrichment includes Spanish and French clubs, and bilingual summer and winter camps are organized.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The inquiry introduces your interest and allows the school to share guidance on the admissions process. An initial inquiry helps staff understand your needs and plan a suitable visit. This first step starts the enrollment process.

2. Tell us about yourself: Submit the Pre-Admission Questionnaire to the school office. The form helps gather basic information ahead of your visit so staff can prepare a focused discussion about your child's needs and development. It marks the formal move toward the application process.

3. Visit us: For Families in Japan, a guided school tour is available by appointment; for FamiliesOutside Japan, the school can arrange a video or phone meeting. Tours provide a real sense of the school community and programs.

4. Submit an Application Form: After the initial visit or call, provide a completed Application Form and the three most recent report cards from your current school or kindergarten; translations are required if the reports are not in English, German, French, or Japanese; if recent report cards are not available, submit Confidential School Report Form (Primary School) or Recommendation Form (Early Years).

5. Attend a Trial Day: Entrance exams are not required. The school aims to meet each student, observe language skills and readiness, and confirm fit. For Families in Japan, children aged 2–5 join a trial from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and children aged 6 and above from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; after the trial, a follow-up interview is arranged or the school contacts you with the result. For Families Outside Japan, admissions decisions may be based on report cards and confidential references.

6. Accept an Offer & Complete Registration: Accept the offer and complete registration; vaccination records (if not submitted at a trial) and a copy of the student's passport (photo page) should be provided. Download and complete the Registration Form, Declaration Form, Emergency contact / Pick up, Student Information Form, Student Health Form, and Physical Examination Form, then email or send them back to the school.
School Events
The school has not added events
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