Kobe Saturday School Engaging Children in an English Environment Experience the SMIS English program! Contact us today for an open house! Experience the SMIS Adult English program! Contact us today for an open house! Experience the SMIS Mommy & Baby program! Contact us today for an open house!
INTERNATIONAL
International minded staff and students
RESOURCES
Classes operating in a school environment
HISTORY
SMIS founded in 1946, Kobe Japan
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Kobe English School

Discover the SMIS-English difference: dynamic, challenging English programs that equip learners with the skills to succeed in today’s international world. For over seven decades, SMIS-English has inspired learners of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential in a creative, innovative, and collaborative environment.

Guided by passionate, expert teachers, our students grow in confidence, curiosity, and communication, as we continue to create the global leaders of tomorrow, one learner at a time. Come visit our Kobe English School and experience the excitement of learning with us!

SMIS-English- 80 years of English excellence in Kobe! The SMIS-English difference is clear; challenging English programmes that teach students the skills needed to succeed in today’s international world. SMIS-English is an educational institution that helps students of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential by providing an innovative, creative, and collaborative learning environment. Through the guidance of their teachers, SMIS-English aims to create future leaders one student at a time. Come visit our Kobe English School today.

More than just a children’s English school- come and experience the SMIS-English Intensive Adult English School programme. Small classes, experienced teachers and a highly developed curriculum. SMIS-English Adult English classes- adult English education at its best!

A Learning Pathway for Every Stage

At SMIS-English, we believe English learning is a journey that can grow with each student and their family. From a child’s first experience of English through primary school, junior high school and beyond, our programmes provide opportunities to develop confidence, communication skills and a lasting connection with English.

Our learning pathways are designed to meet the different needs of both local and international families, while providing opportunities to move between programmes as children’s needs, abilities and educational goals develop.

Starting the Journey, Mummy & Baby

Our Mummy & Baby programme provides young children with a positive and enjoyable introduction to English through songs, stories, movement, play and interaction.

As children grow, families can consider different pathways according to their educational plans. Some may choose to apply to our International School (IS), while others can continue their English education through SMIS-English programmes such as Saturday School (SS) or, when they reach primary-school age, After School Kids (ASK).

The aim is to give children a strong and positive foundation from which their individual learning journey can develop.

Saturday School, Building a Strong English Education

Our Saturday School programme provides a structured and extensive English-learning environment from Pre-K through Year 6.

It is designed for families who want their children to develop a strong level of English alongside their regular school education, as well as international and expatriate families looking for additional opportunities for their children to maintain and extend their English skills.

Students develop their English through literacy, reading, communication, STEM, PE, practical activities and library learning, supported by a structured Oxford curriculum and CEFR and EIKEN benchmarks.

As students progress, families may explore opportunities to join the International School (IS) or continue their English-learning journey into junior high school through our Shoin Junior High School (SJH) programme.

After School Kids, English Development for Local Students

After School Kids (ASK) provides an extensive after-school English programme primarily for local primary-school students who want to build their English skills alongside their regular Japanese school education.

Through the Oxford Everybody Up curriculum, literacy development, reading, home learning and EIKEN support, students steadily develop their listening, speaking, reading, writing and communication skills.

For students who wish to continue learning English beyond primary school, SJH provides a natural next step, allowing them to maintain their English and develop more advanced communication, literacy and critical-thinking skills during their junior high school years.

Junior High School and Beyond

Our Shoin Junior High School programme (SJH) allows students to continue developing their English during an important stage of their education. Lessons encourage students to move beyond basic language study and use English to discuss ideas, explore global topics and express their own opinions.

The learning journey does not have to end when students reach high school.

Students who reach high-school age or above and maintain strong English abilities are welcome to take part in our volunteer programme. This provides an opportunity to return to the SMIS-English community, support younger learners and use English in a practical environment while developing confidence, responsibility and leadership skills.

Supporting the Whole Family

English learning is not only for children. We also provide opportunities for parents, family members and members of the wider community to continue their own English journey.

Our Adult Classes provide intensive English study for adults who want to strengthen their communication skills, whether for personal development, travel, work or to better support their child’s English-learning journey.

Our Silver Class extends this philosophy to older members of the community, providing opportunities to use English, communicate with others and remain actively connected through learning and social engagement.

One Community, Many Pathways

There is no single route through SMIS-English. Families may join us at different stages and choose the programmes that best suit their children’s needs and future goals.

Mummy & Baby → International School / Saturday School / After School Kids → Shoin Junior High School → High School Volunteer Programme

Alongside these student pathways, our Adult and Silver Classes allow parents and community members to learn with us too.

Together, these programmes create a connected learning community where English can develop from a child’s first words through adolescence, adulthood and beyond.

Growing, Working, Learning English Together.
Creating the English learners of tomorrow, one student at a time.

English Immersion in Kobe

Kobe's #1 English School

Our vibrant, international school offers dynamic English programmes for students of all ages, helping them communicate with confidence, think creatively, and thrive in an interconnected world.

kobe english school

English Immersion in Kobe

SMIS-English programmes provide the best English education for students of all levels, helping them excel and gain confidence in their communication skills.
A school’s greatest asset is its teachers, and SMIS-English is proud of its team of professional, dedicated, native English educators.

AC - Adult Class - Intensive English

Small classes, experienced teachers, a convenient location and flexible schedules to meet your learning needs. Experience adult English education at its best- make a reservation for three trial lessons today!

M&B - Mommy & Baby - English Class

Creative, engaging, hands-on activities in a nurturing and caring learning environment that introduce toddlers to English. Take the first step in your baby's English education with the SMIS-English Mommy & Baby class.

ASK - AFTER SCHOOL KIDS - English

Picture your child reading confidently, chatting in English with ease, and discovering a world of stories in our international school library.
At SMIS-English, our After School Kids’ English Programme combines grammar, reading, writing, and conversation with engaging activities that make learning fun and meaningful. Using St. Michael’s International School’s classrooms and library, students gain the full international school experience.

KSS - Kids Summer School

This summer, give your child the chance to dive into an exciting English immersion experience right here in Kobe! For ten days, students aged 4 to 11 will enjoy dynamic classes in English Literacy, Reading, Music, Art, and P.E., all designed to inspire creativity and build confidence—no matter their English ability.
Don’t miss out on our next exciting summer programme!
(Reservation begins - End of April)

SS - Saturday School - English Immersion programme in Kobe

The SMIS-English Saturday School offers a rigorous curriculum that enhances students’ English proficiency through a combination of challenging academics and practical, hands-on learning taught by highly trained native English teachers. This results in Saturday School students building a solid foundation in academic English and advanced speaking, listening, and comprehension skills. The Saturday School builds students’ confidence to use English in both academic and daily settings.

Kobe’s SMIS-English School

SMIS-English isn’t just for kids! Our Intensive Adult English School offers:

  • Small, interactive classes
  • Experienced, supportive teachers
  • A highly developed, results-driven curriculum

Whether you’re learning for work, travel, or personal growth, SMIS-English’s Adult English classes are English education at its best, engaging, effective, and fun!

Contact us and see why generations of learners have chosen SMIS-English to achieve their goals.