Marist Brothers International School

[EduCativ]

Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) is committed to excellence in education. Over the past 60 years, our students have consistently gone on to attend the top universities and colleges around the world.
We believe that education goes beyond a rigorous and stimulating curriculum. Our holistic approach includes a focused dedication to character–developing skills that make our students stand out from the crowd. This is a fundamental component of the Marist ‘difference’.
Located in a quiet residential area, between Kobe’s green hills and the nearby sea, MBIS has close access (a two-minute walk) to two major rail lines and is only ten minutes from downtown Kobe.
Our teachers are fully certified and highly experienced. Many of our staff have been with the school for long tenures, reflecting the quality of the school and their dedication to our students. Their inspired, student-centered teaching is complemented by low student-teacher ratios – ensuring that every student has access to intensive support. Our curriculum adheres to the California State Standards and MBIS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Although MBIS is founded on Roman Catholic religious principles, we welcome all students, regardless of religion, race, or nationality. We believe our community is our strength and hope that you can join us and experience the Marist difference.
The Marist Brothers, a religious congregation of Catholic educators, was founded in 1817 by Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The Marist Brothers, now a large congregation, have founded and administered hundreds of schools around the world. Among such schools are Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) in Kobe and Marist High School in Kumamoto.
MBIS was founded in 1951 by Brother Charles Fojoucyk and Brother Stephen Weber. They had been forced to leave St. Louis International School in Tientsin, China, because of pressure from communist authorities. MBIS is a coeducational school based on Roman Catholic values, providing a complete elementary and secondary education.
The school emphasizes its Catholic character through its religious studies courses, by daily reflection, and by the observance of the liturgical seasons of the Church year. Throughout their history and in countries around the world, Marist Brothers’ schools have taken as an important aim the development and cultivation of family spirit as a principle trait of school life. MBIS follows the education standards of the State of California however, its curriculum is sufficiently broad that graduates successfully attend universities in countries around the world.
Marist Brothers International School will make students our utmost priority and encourage them to achieve their full potential, fostering spiritual growth, appreciation of cultural diversity, and develop a life-long love of learning. We will provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to develop a sense of community, spirit, and pride in our school.
We educate students in a nurturing environment based on Catholic values and the traditions of the Marist Brothers. We provide a rigorous program of study that prepares our students for higher education, internationally and in Japan. Our students will gain knowledge, be effective communicators, develop good character and become responsible citizens of a global society.
Marist Brothers International School is a modern educational institution with features that include: playgrounds, art studios, modern computer laboratories, a gymnasium, a well-stocked library, a fully-equipped music department, science laboratories, and a cafeteria.
The MBIS Montessori Preschool program is made up of children aged 3-5. Classrooms are specifically designed for children. The mixed-aged children share the same classroom and learn from each other. Younger children get a chance to look ahead and see what is coming next by watching the older children.
Older children have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by sharing it with the younger children. The program gives children the opportunity to explore and discover various areas of the classroom including practical life, sensorial learning, and mathematics.
A strong focus is placed on English language development through phonics, whole language building, and group circle times conducted throughout the day. Children are enriched through science, culture, geography, and art activities. They learn to respect others’ work and space, excuse themselves, greet each other, and treat each other fairly. They also take an active role in maintaining their classroom.
The Elementary School (Grades 1 to 6) at Marist Brothers International School focuses on developing the whole child. At its core is an academic program emphasizing reading, writing, and mathematical skills, along with comprehensive units of Social Studies and Science. Science classes utilize our fully equipped laboratories.
Our curriculum is based on the California State Standards, adapted to suit the needs of our diverse, multicultural student body. The core curriculum is complemented with regular classes of Art, Computer Studies, Religious Education, Music, Japanese, Library, Health, and Physical Education.
Upper School students are challenged at each grade level with a range of courses, including Language Arts (English), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Religious Studies, and Physical Education. Additionally, courses may differ in subject, theme, or level of difficulty, each year. For example, Science courses include Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Science in Society.
Elective classes include Art, Music, Symphonic Band, Business, Japanese History, Marketing, Law, Digital Design, and Photography. In grades 11 and 12, eleven college-level Advanced Placement (AP) courses are on offer – these rigorous and highly demanding courses offer an excellent foundation for future studies!

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