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St. Michael's International School

Japan, Kobe

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥1,454,500 - 1,628,400
Ages 3 - 11 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1946
Bus Service Yes
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, Japanese
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

St. Michael’s International School in Kobe was established on 10 March 1946 and serves children aged 3–11. It is located on the edge of Kitano, close to Sannomiya, in an area described as family-friendly and multicultural. In Early Years, SMIS draws on the British EYFS alongside the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). In Primary, it uses the National Curriculum for England and Wales for English and Mathematics and embeds learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The school describes itself as the first in Japan accredited with the IPC and the only fully accredited British international school in Kansai offering specialist Early Years and Primary education. Students can join after-school clubs that run 5–8 weeks each term, and Year 5–6 have residential experiences planned at a YMCA facility.

www.smis.org

3 Chome-17-2 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan

Vibes and Culture
The school has not added this information
The Essentials

St. Michael's International School has typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
St. Michael's International School is located at 3 Chome-17-2 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0004, Japan. It sits on the edge of the Kitano residential area in central Kobe, described as a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to Sannomiya and Osaka. The surrounding area is multicultural, with places of worship and a range of shops and services within walking distance.

Stages
The school offers Early Years (Ages 3-5) and Primary, covering nursery and Year 1 through Year 6. The Early Years provision serves ages 3-5, and Primary covers the core year groups up to Year 6 (approximately age 11).

Type
St. Michael's is a British international school operating on a co-educational, day-only model in the Anglican tradition. It is described as co-educational and Day, and its Anglican character is noted in official descriptions.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Preliminary data indicate around 19 nationalities are represented, with Japanese being the most common at about 50%, followed by dual nationals (around 21%), and other groups such as Indian and Chinese (around 18%) and rest of world (around 11%). Approximately 76% of students are local, with about 26% international students.

Additional learning support
The school runs a Learning Enrichment Service (LES) implemented since 2010, using a three-wave model to monitor and support students' abilities. English Language Learners (ELL) provision is available as part of the enrichment framework.

Country affiliation
The school identifies as a British international school, affiliated with the United Kingdom.

Religious affiliation
Anglican tradition.

School day structure
The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the office and school communications reflecting these hours. Lunch is offered on-site in three sittings; students may bring lunch or go home for lunch.

Bus service
The school provides a bus service. Sign-up is first-come, first-served, with priority given to students who use the bus daily; there is no bus service for after-school activities. Bus safety rules include seat belts, orderly boarding and exiting, and staff monitoring. For those using public transport, discounted passes and timetable assistance are available.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Michael's International School ranges from JPY 1,454,500 to JPY 1,628,400 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Application Fee: non-refundable. Typical published amounts range between ¥40,000 and ¥50,000 depending on the published schedule.
- Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): published amounts vary by entry point; examples shown in public fee schedules include Nursery-level and Reception/above categories (example published values: Nursery ¥100,000; Reception & above approx. ¥290,000–¥300,000). The registration fee must be paid within three weeks of an official acceptance offer.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalment details)

- The school operates a three-term academic year but invoices tuition in two instalments (payment due in July and January). Therefore a stated annual tuition is typically billed in two equal instalments (July and January). A penalty applies for late payment (see Billing schedule and payment terms).

- Representative annual tuition figures (examples published for the most recent full fee schedule made publicly available):
- Age 3 (Kindergarten 1): Annual tuition component shown as ¥1,304,500 (first-year total is higher because of one-time application/registration/technology fees). Total annual costs (excluding first-year one-time payments) published for ages/grades: ¥1,454,500 for ages 3–4; ¥1,628,400 for ages 5–10 (Grade 1–5). These figures represent the school's published annual-fee structure used in the fee schedule made public by the school and third‑party school-fee aggregators. For budgeting, the annual tuition component is billed in two instalments (July and January).

- Instalment example: where the annual tuition is ¥1,304,500, the standard billing schedule (two instalments) results in two equal payments of approximately ¥652,250 due in July and January. The school's billing practice is to invoice tuition in two instalments rather than on a per-term (three-term) basis.

One‑time and recurring additional fees

- Technology Fee: one-time and non-refundable; applies to all students enrolling in Year One and to new students enrolling in Years Two to Six. Example published amounts in public fee schedules: ¥50,000 (one-time).
- Maintenance Fee: annual and non‑refundable; example published amount ¥150,000. This is charged in full for all students (returning and new) regardless of date of entry and is not pro‑rated. Payment is due in July or at time of enrolment.
- Insurance Fee: annual, paid per child; covers supervised school activities and travel to/from school. The insurance benefit schedule is published by the school (examples of benefit amounts are included in the school policy). Example published premium amounts (in public fee summaries) include figures such as approximately ¥6,400 per child in some published summaries. The insurance premium is not refundable.
- PTA Fee: annual, paid per family; non‑refundable. Example published PTA contribution amounts appear in public fee summaries (e.g., around ¥5,000).
- Library bag and school cap: invoiced with school fees. Replacement costs example: library bag ¥1,800; school cap ¥2,000.
- Uniforms: school and PE uniform are mandatory and are additional to tuition. School lunch, school bus, after‑school activity fees and optional photograph purchases are charged separately.

First-year total (example composition)

- For first‑year budgeting many published schedules separate one‑time items (application, registration, technology) from recurring annual items (tuition, maintenance, insurance, PTA). Example composition published in public fee summaries for first year (illustrative): Application Fee ¥40,000; Registration Fee ¥290,000; Technology Fee ¥50,000; Maintenance Fee ¥150,000; Tuition Fee ¥1,304,500 — producing a first‑year total (illustrative) of ¥1,834,500 for a Kindergarten1 entry. Annual totals for continuing years are lower because one‑time fees are not repeated. Use the annual tuition figures above to compute continuing‑year totals and instalments.

Boarding fees

- St. Michael's operates as a day school (no boarding provision). Boarding fees are not applicable.

Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties

- Tuition billing: invoiced in two instalments; due in July and January. For students entering mid‑year, tuition is charged from the month of entry; other fees must be paid in full at the time they are due. The school operates a three‑term year (August–December; January–March; April–June) for attendance and withdrawal calculations.
- Late payment penalties and consequences: a penalty of ¥30,000 is applied for payments received 15 days after the due date. Students whose tuition is outstanding 60 days after the due date may be suspended; the school may withhold reports, transcripts or transfer certificates while balances remain unpaid. If a student is suspended for non‑payment, reinstatement may require an additional ¥50,000 plus full remaining year's fees payable in advance.
- Withdrawal terms and refunds: a minimum of two months' written notice of withdrawal must be given to the Head of School. Children who leave before the end of the school year will be charged up to the end of the term in which they withdraw. Fees held beyond the final account point are returned within 30 days of leaving. A late withdrawal fee of ¥30,000 applies to families who, after making the July payment, withdraw before the start of the new academic year. Maintenance, insurance, PTA and technology fees are explicitly non‑refundable and are not pro‑rated. In the event of an unexpected school closure where learning continues remotely, full tuition is maintained and no refund is provided.

Other costs to budget for

- Uniforms (school and PE) — mandatory and additional to tuition.
- Optional services: school lunch; school bus; after‑school activities (charged per term); optional photograph purchases.
- Small school accessories invoiced with fees: library bag and school cap (replacement costs listed above).

Fee payment methods and bank details

- Published payment method: bank transfer. Separate bank account details are provided for transfers from within Japan and for overseas transfers (MUFG Bank with SWIFT: BOTKJPJT and the school's account number). Any bank charges are the payer's responsibility. The school's published policy lists bank transfer as the required payment route. No general public statement of standard credit‑card payment acceptance for annual tuition is published in the school's payment policy; banking transfer is the established published method.

Sibling discount

- A 15% sibling discount on tuition applies to younger siblings when two or more children from the same parents attend simultaneously. The discount applies to tuition only; other fees (application, registration, maintenance, insurance, PTA, technology) must be paid in full. The oldest child pays full tuition; the discount applies in order of enrollment.

Summary of non‑refundable items and key penalties

- Non‑refundable: Application Fee; Registration Fee; Maintenance Fee; Insurance Fee; Technology Fee; PTA Fee.
- Penalties: ¥30,000 late‑payment fee after 15 days; suspension and possible withholding of documentation for accounts outstanding 60 days; ¥50,000 reinstatement condition where suspension occurred for non‑payment; ¥30,000 late withdrawal fee in specified circumstances.

Note: the school publishes a narrative "Fees for 2025–2026" and a detailed Payment Policy that sets billing terms, penalties, non‑refundable items and bank transfer instructions; publicly available fee schedules and school‑fee aggregators publish specific annual tuition and one‑time fee figures (examples summarized above) that are used for family budgeting.
Academics

St. Michael's International School teaches IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
Early Years (ages 3-5) blend the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), with IEYC units starting with an Entry Point and ending with an Exit Point. From Year 1 to Year 6, Primary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with thematically linked units in Geography, Art, Science, History, Music and Technology, integrated with English and Mathematics. English instruction is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with systematic phonics in the Early Years and a focus on reading and writing across genres. Mathematics follows the UK Primary Framework for Mathematics, with Milepost progressions mapping Years 1-2 to Milepost One, Years 3-4 to Milepost Two, and Years 5-6 to Milepost Three. The Japanese programme runs from Year 1 in two groups and continues through Year 6 with Kokugo where appropriate; a 1:1 Chromebook program supports learning from Year 1 to Year 6, AI is used to enhance teaching and administration, and assessment includes UK Early Years Learning Goals for Nursery/Reception and ISA external assessments for Years 4-6.
Wellbeing
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions

Admissions
St. Michael's International School is located in Kobe, Japan, and is a British international school teaching in English (with a structured British-style curriculum delivered by native English-speaking teachers). The school publishes a clear set of fees and payment policies and notes that fees may be revised by the school. The site also indicates annual tuition/fee-related information is structured around a not-for-profit model with a range of charges beyond tuition (see details below). Fees are stated in Japanese yen and the school can be contacted for current amounts and invoicing. The school's admissions process is described separately for families residing in Japan and for families residing overseas, with a single admissions contact point and a multi-step submission/assessment pathway. The admissions page confirms that the academic year runs from August to June and operates three terms, with a focus on international-mindedness and a British-style curriculum. The page also notes that the school accepts online applications and provides details for online information sessions and tours.

Fees (summary of fees as published):
- Tuition: Tuition Fees are paid per student and are charged in two installments each year, in July and January. If a child joins mid-year (e.g., January or April), tuition is charged from the month of entry; other fees remain payable in full. A 15% sibling discount on tuition is offered to families with multiple children. The exact tuition amount is not shown on the page, and current figures are provided on invoice from the admissions office.
- Maintenance Fee: Paid annually for all students, non-refundable, not pro-rated, and due in August.
- Insurance: Annual per-child insurance covering death, hospitalization, and outpatient costs; non-refundable.
- PTA Fee: Annual per-family fee, non-refundable.
- Technology Fee: One-time fee for Year One and new students in Years Two to Six; non-refundable.
- English Language Support (Immersion English Programme): Available for Year 5 & 6 students joining from overseas with limited English; details and fees are provided on inquiry.
- Other costs and optional items: Library bag and school cap are charged with other school fees; after-school activities are optional; school lunch, bus, and in-house photos are optional. Replacement bags and caps carry extra costs.
- Payment terms and penalties: A late payment penalty of ¥30,000 applies if payments are received 15 days after the due date; accounts unpaid after 60 days may be suspended; reinstatement requires an extra payment of ¥50,000 plus full remaining year's fees. The annual tuition/fee policy also states all fees must be paid in full and that late withdrawal and non-payment can affect enrollment/records.
- Where fees are paid from Japan or overseas: Bank transfer details are provided for both domestic and overseas payments, and the school notes that the payer is responsible for any bank charges.

Admissions Process (Step-by-step, two pathways):
A) For families residing in Japan
1. Step 1 – Online application and fee payment: Submit the online application form and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, and school reports if applicable). The Application Fee must be paid at the time of application by bank transfer; the application is non-refundable and is not reviewed until the school confirms receipt. The school asks for disclosure of any learning, medical, or behavioral issues at this time and to email related documents if applicable.
2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's current/previous school to obtain a Confidential Recommendation Form and conduct a background check. When all documents are received and the report is satisfactory, you will be invited to the next stage; places are subject to availability. If places are unavailable, your family will be placed in a waiting pool and informed of this status.
3. Step 3 – Interview and assessment: You and your child are invited to visit for an interview and initial assessment; a trial day may be arranged to clarify suitability. Additional testing/interview with a Learning Enrichment Programme Coordinator may be scheduled if required.
4. Step 4 – Notification and securing a place: Expect a decision within about two weeks via the email address provided in the application. If accepted, you will receive an Acceptance of Place Form and a school-fees invoice; to secure the place, you must submit the form and pay the fee invoice as specified. If oversubscribed, you may be placed in the waiting pool, and you will be contacted when a space opens.

B) For families residing overseas
1. Step 1 – Online application and overseas documentation: Complete the online application and upload required documents (child photo, birth ID, school reports). The Application Fee must be paid at application time by bank transfer; overseas transfer fees may apply (about ¥4,000). The school asks for open disclosure of learning/medical/behavioral issues and to email any relevant documents.
2. Step 2 – Confidential Recommendation from current school: The school will contact the child's previous/current school for a Confidential Recommendation Form and a background check. If reports are satisfactory and spaces are available, you will be invited to the next step; if not, you'll be placed in the Waiting Pool and informed of the status.
3. Step 3 – Overseas provisional acceptance: The school issues an Overseas Provisional Acceptance, plus an invoice for the Registration Fee and an Acceptance of Provisional Place Form. To secure a place, you must complete the form and pay the Registration Fee prior to the interview and assessment; the Registration Fee is normally non-refundable. If the year group is oversubscribed, applicants will be placed in the waiting pool.
4. Step 4 – Assessment & interview in Kobe: The interview and assessment occur on arrival in Kobe to formalise acceptance. You may join the class on an agreed date with the Head of School; you'll be invoiced for all outstanding school fees after a successful assessment. If the child is not accepted, the Registration Fee is refunded; however, if information was knowingly withheld at Step 1, the refund may not take place.

Waitlist/Pool (oversubscription and placement):
- The school uses a waiting pool when a year group is oversubscribed. Placement in the pool occurs after the interview/assessment process if there are no available places at that time. The pool's capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year, and families will be contacted when openings occur. This wait pool mechanism is described in both the in-Japan and overseas application procedures.

Scholarships and financial assistance overview:
- The published live site does not list a formal scholarship program with eligibility criteria or application steps beyond the standard tuition and fee structure. The school does publish a 15% tuition sibling discount, which applies to tuition fees (not to all other fees). For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, inquiries are usually directed to the Admissions Office for guidance on potential options or humanitarian/Donor-funded funds, as referenced in related school materials (not published as a standard, clearly defined scholarship program on the live site). The presence of a scholarship-focused fund or donor-supported scholarship program is mentioned in development and alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but it is not published as a formal, on-page scholarship offering with clear criteria on the live site. Families seeking financial aid should contact the Admissions Office to discuss current options and eligibility.

Scholarships
The live site does not publish a formal scholarship program with explicit criteria or application steps. A 15% tuition discount is available for siblings. References to a Miss Lea Scholarship Fund or donor-supported scholarships appear in development or alumni materials outside the live admissions pages, but there is no published, page-level detail on a current scholarship program with criteria on the live site. For families seeking financial assistance beyond the sibling discount, contact Admissions for guidance on current options.

Waitlist
Yes. The school uses a wait pool for oversubscribed year groups. Wait-pooled applicants are admitted only as spaces become available, and capacity to admit wait-pooled students varies from year to year. This wait-pool process is noted in both the in-country and overseas admissions procedures. If you are placed in the wait pool, you will be informed when an opening becomes available.
School Events
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