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Complete Guide to Marist Brothers International School: A Detailed Look at International Education and Academic Achievements

  • 執筆者の写真: egcisjp
    egcisjp
  • 3月4日
  • 読了時間: 4分

About Marist Brothers International School

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Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) is a private, coeducational international school in Kobe, offering a comprehensive education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Established in 1951, it was founded by Charles Fojoucyk and Stephen Weber, who moved from China to Japan due to political changes. MBIS carries on the Marist educational tradition, fostering a rich history and legacy.


Currently, MBIS has around 400 students from over 30 nationalities, creating a diverse and global learning environment. MBIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS).

Location and Facilities

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Access

MBIS is located in a quiet residential area of Suma, Kobe, surrounded by mountains and the sea.

  • Sanyo Suma Station – 3 min walk

  • JR Suma Station (North Exit) – 4 min walk

  • Sumadera Station – 7 min walk

  • 10 min to central Kobe, 30 min to Osaka, and 1 hour to Kyoto

Transportation: School bus service is available for major areas, and private drop-off and pick-up by car are also possible.


Facilities

  • Academic Facilities: Modern classrooms, IT rooms, library, science labs, and an art & design studio

  • Sports & Arts: Gymnasium, sports field, music room, and theater

  • Other Facilities: Cafeteria (meal service), playground, and student lounge

MBIS provides an ideal balance between nature and urban convenience, ensuring a comfortable learning environment.


Curriculum Overview

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MBIS offers a comprehensive education from early childhood to high school, fostering curiosity and creativity in students. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, integrating modern technology into learning, with 1:1 Apple device use from Early Years to Grade 8 and a BYOD program for Grades 9-12.


Early Years Program (Pre-K & Kindergarten)

MBIS's Early Years Program provides a "Prepared Environment", encouraging exploration and creativity through student-led inquiry and a collaborative teaching model.

  • Subjects: Music, Japanese, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Library

  • Focus: Critical thinking, social skills, and learning through play


Lower School Program (Grades 1–5)

MBIS's curriculum emphasizes academic growth in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, while also including specialized subjects.

  • Subjects: Art, Music, Japanese, Library, Health, Physical Education, and World Religion

  • Framework: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), incorporating Common Core State Standards


Upper School (Grades 6–12)

Grades 6–10 (Middle & Early High School)

MBIS follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), integrating Common Core State Standards to enhance inquiry-based learning.

  • Skills Development: Critical thinking, problem-solving, self-management

  • Assessment: Presentations, research-based evaluations, and personal projects

  • Special Programs: Grade 10 Personal Project and PSAT preparation


Grades 11–12 (Upper High School)

MBIS offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with four graduation pathways, allowing students to tailor their academic journey.

  • MBIS Diploma

  • MBIS Diploma + IB Subject Certificates (1-6 HL/SL subjects)

  • MBIS Diploma + IB Diploma (6 subjects + TOK, EE, CAS)

  • MBIS Diploma + IB Bilingual Diploma (Includes English A & Japanese A)


University Preparation & Exams: SAT, ACT, and PSAT preparation, along with career and university guidance.

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Summer School

MBIS offers a one-month Summer School Program (June–July) for students aged 3–Grade 12, focusing on:

  • Language Development (English & Japanese)

  • Academic Enrichment

  • Life Skills

The program encourages critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning, providing a stimulating and engaging summer experience.


Extracurricular Activities

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MBIS supports student growth through sports, club activities, and student support services.


Sports & Club Activities

Middle School (Grades 6–8) and Varsity (Grades 9–12) teams compete in volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball (boys), and softball (girls). MBIS is a member of the Western Japan Athletics Association (WJAA), participating in international tournaments and leagues. The school also hosts the Annual Invitational Futsal Tournament for Grades 3–6.


Student-Led Clubs

Students develop leadership and collaboration skills through:

  • Student Council (Student Government)

  • National Honor Society (NHS) – Academic Excellence & Community Service

  • Model United Nations (MUN)

  • Robotics, Marist Band, Japanese Culture Club, Yearbook Club


Student Support Services

MBIS ensures academic and personal support through:

  • School Counselor – Mental health & student well-being

  • Guidance Counselor – Career and university advising

  • English Language Support – For non-native English speakers

  • Medical Clinic – On-campus medical officer for student health

Academic Performance

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MBIS students achieved outstanding IB results in 2024:

  • Diploma Pass Rate: 96%

  • Bilingual Diplomas: 13 / 26

  • Average Score: 32 / 45

  • Highest Score: 39 / 45


University Acceptances

MBIS graduates are accepted into top universities worldwide:

  • United States: Boston University, Cornell University, NYU, University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, UCLA

  • Europe & UK: University of Amsterdam, University of Manchester, King’s College London

  • Canada: McGill University, University of Toronto, UBC

  • Japan: Waseda University, Keio University, ICU, Osaka University, Kyushu University

  • Asia-Pacific: University of Hong Kong, Singapore Management University, University of Sydney


Admission Process

Applying to MBIS is a simple four-step process:

  1. Submit an Application – Fill out the online application form

  2. Provide Supporting Documents – Academic records, proof of identity, recommendations

  3. Interview & Assessment – Conducted by divisional heads; English proficiency test if required

  4. Finalize Enrollment – Submit required forms and enrollment deposit


Admission Requirements

  • Evaluation based on academic records, recommendations, interviews, and English proficiency (Grades 3-12)

  • Applicants may be placed on a waitlist if space is unavailable

  • Students must reside with a parent/guardian in the Kansai region

  • Student visa applications are the family's responsibility (MBIS provides proof of enrollment for visa support but does not facilitate visa applications)



Conclusion

MBIS provides high-quality education, diverse extracurricular activities, and strong student support in a global learning environment. The school fosters curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence, preparing students for top universities worldwide. With a strong IB program, competitive sports, and leadership opportunities, MBIS is an ideal choice for families seeking a well-rounded international education in Kansai.


If you need admissions preparation or academic support for international schools, EGCIS is here to help. Sign up for a free trial lesson using the link below.



 
 
 

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