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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.
Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe city, 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).
Fees
Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Kobe International ranges from JPY 242,500 to JPY 1,931,000 for 2026/27.
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.)
Quick summary (key headline amounts in JPY) - Application fee: JPY 50,000. Registration fee: JPY 290,000. Annual tuition: Pre‑K / Early Years JPY 1,563,000; Pre‑School / Primary (Gr.1–6) JPY 1,696,000. Annual compulsory fees and common extras as listed above (technology, building & development, insurance, membership, course materials, PTA, yearbook, trips, bus). Tax: 10% consumption tax applies where indicated.
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.
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.
FAQs
Where is Deutsche Schule Kobe International located and what age range does it serve?
DSKI sits on Rokko Island in Kobe, Japan. It serves students from Playgroup (ages 1–2) up to the end of secondary (ages 18).
What is the overall curriculum and language of instruction at DSKI?
DSKI is an IB World School that blends the IB with Cambridge programmes. English is the main instructional language, with German and Japanese taught to all students; Kokugo is for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language is offered as well.
When was DSKI founded and how is the school governed?
DSKI was founded in 1909 and operates as a private, non-profit international school. It is co-educational and headed by Hans Windmeier.
What is the admissions process from inquiry to registration?
Prospective families start with an inquiry, complete a Pre-Admission Questionnaire, visit or have a video/phone discussion, submit an Application Form and recent reports, participate in a Trial Day (no entrance exams required), and then accept an offer and complete registration.
What are the upfront fees and the annual tuition by programme?
Upfront fees include an application fee of 50,000 JPY and a registration fee of 290,000 JPY. Annual tuition ranges from 1,563,000 JPY (Pre‑Kindergarten and Early Years) to 1,696,000 JPY (Pre‑School and Primary 1–6), depending on the year group.
How are tuition payments scheduled and can families pay in installments?
Invoices are issued annually, but families can pay in one lump sum, in two installments, or quarterly. Pro-rata billing is used for students who join part-way through the year.
What does the academic programme look like in Early Years and Primary at DSKI?
In Early Years and Primary, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, with German and Japanese taught to all students.
What secondary programmes will be offered, and when do they start?
From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary will lead to the Cambridge IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. From 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered, with English as the instruction language and German and Japanese language study.
How do university pathways and language qualifications work at DSKI?
The IB Diploma Programme will be available for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways; German and Japanese language study are integrated into the curriculum to support multilingual outcomes.
What facilities and campus features does the Rokko Island campus offer?
The eco-friendly Rokko Island campus opened in 2009 and includes spaces for swimming lessons for younger students, a rubberized playground, a multipurpose hall, and a grass sports field.
Are there extracurricular facilities and programs beyond academics?
Yes. DSKI runs Saturday School for younger students and offers around 20 after-school clubs each term across STEM, arts, languages, and more, plus music and art integration in the curriculum.
What kinds of clubs and activities can students expect?
Students can engage in a wide range of after-school clubs across sports, music, language, arts, science, and movement, with additional Saturday School options in multiple languages.
What wellbeing and support services are available at DSKI?
DSKI emphasizes social-emotional learning across the school, with small class sizes and optional one-on-one or small-group support. An inclusive Move to Learn program supports physical and mental development and well-being.
Is there English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at the school?
Yes. EAL support is available to help students access the curriculum, with three languages used in the school community and targeted English development where needed.
What support is available for SEN students at DSKI?
DSKI offers small class sizes and personalized support, including options for one-on-one or small-group assistance, and Saturday School to provide inclusive learning opportunities.
Is there a house system or uniform policy at DSKI?
There is no published information about a house system or school uniforms in the data provided.
How is the school governed and what is its nonprofit status?
DSKI operates as a private, non-profit international school with governance aligned to its private status rather than a public or charter model.
What accreditations or awards does DSKI hold?
DSKI is an IB World School and a Cambridge International School certified for Mathematics and Language; no other accreditations or awards are listed in the provided information.
What is the role of language in DSKI's programme and which languages are taught?
The school teaches English as the main language of instruction, with German and Japanese taught to all students. Kokugo serves native Japanese speakers, and Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) is offered to non-native learners.
Is there any specific language enrichment or immersion opportunities?
Yes. German and Japanese are taught through immersive learning, with additional language clubs (including French and Spanish) and bilingual summer and winter camps.
