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The story of SMIS-English is rooted in the rich heritage of St. Michael’s International School. Our journey began in 1946, when Bishop Michael Hinsuke Yashiro and Miss Leonora Edith Lea envisioned bringing high-quality English education to the wider Kobe community. Their passion, determination, and pioneering spirit sparked a movement that opened the doors of English learning to students of all ages.
From those early days, SMIS-English has continued to grow into a trusted centre for language education in Kobe. Over the decades, thousands of children and adults have learned, laughed, and achieved with us, guided by dedicated educators committed to excellence. What began as a simple vision has flourished into a vibrant community where English language, global awareness, and personal growth come together.
Today, SMIS-English proudly carries this legacy forward. In the heart of Kobe, we provide engaging, high-quality programmes that inspire confidence and connect learners to the world. Our history shapes who we are, and our passion for education shapes the future of every student who walks through our doors.
At SMIS-English in Kobe, we believe language learning should feel inspiring, supportive, and full of possibility. Our school offers a complete English-learning journey for families who want the best of both worlds: the stability of the Japanese education system and the global opportunities that strong English skills provide.
Email: english@smis-mail.org
Telephone: (078)221-8028
Choosing the right English school shapes future opportunities. At SMIS-English, we offer more than lessons. We provide clear pathways, international standards, and a supportive community built on nearly 80 years of English education excellence in Kobe.
SMIS-English delivers the academic standards, immersive environment, and teaching quality typically found in international schools. This means students do not just study English, they use it with purpose. Families gain access to world-class English education while keeping their educational options open.
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.
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.
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 (ASK) provides an extensive after-school English language 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.
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.
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.
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.
All SMIS-English classes are taught by experienced native English-speaking teachers. Our educators know how to support, challenge, and inspire learners at every level. This ensures steady progress, clear communication, and a positive learning experience.
Our professionally developed curriculum combines Oxford’s trusted textbooks with hands-on learning and EIKEN-aligned progression. Literacy sits at the heart of every programme, helping students build strong reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills that translate into real-world success.
Students learn in real school classrooms and benefit from access to St. Michael’s International School’s extensive English library and technology-supported learning tools. This immersive setting encourages collaboration, curiosity, and confident English use beyond the textbook.
Small class sizes allow teachers to give individual attention and create frequent speaking opportunities. Students feel supported, gain confidence faster, and develop the courage to express themselves naturally in English.
SMIS-English is more than a school. It is a welcoming community where students, parents, and teachers build lasting relationships. Many families stay with us for years, growing together through every stage of learning.
With nearly 80 years of English education in Kobe, SMIS-English is a trusted name for quality and care. As we approach our 80th anniversary in 2026, we continue to honour our heritage while preparing learners of all ages for the future.
Email: english@smis-mail.org
Telephone: (078)221-8028