Admissions Policy
This policy applies to all members of the MBIS community – all students, staff and parents, faculty and staff, alumni, and Board as well as all prospective and future members of the MBIS community.
MBIS Mission – 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, communicate effectively, develop good character and become responsible citizens of a global society.
MBIS Vision – Marist Brothers International School will make students our utmost priority and encourage them to achieve their full potential by fostering spiritual growth, appreciating cultural diversity, and developing 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.
The admissions process requires coordination across a number of departments in the school. The Academic Leadership Team will make recommendations to the Head of School regarding all admissions. The final decision on all applications rests with the Head of School. The Business Manager, the Admissions Team (Admissions, Communications and Marketing Executive and Administrative Assistants) and pedagogical and learning specialists support the admissions process.
MBIS is a private, college-preparatory school, catering to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Since opening our doors in 1951, our graduates have consistently achieved placements in universities and colleges around the world. MBIS has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1972 and became an IB World School in 2017. We are committed to excellence in education but believe that excellence means more than a rigorous and stimulating curriculum. Our holistic approach includes a focused dedication to character – developing skills and attributes that prepare our students for their future. Character and community are at our heart – the foundation of the Marist ‘difference’.
Our primary language of instruction is English, but we also offer Japanese courses from Montessori to Grade 12, ranging from beginner to native level. Our curriculum is adapted from the California State Standards except in Social studies where Aero Standards are used and in Science where Next Generation Science Standards are used. Our Grade 11 and 12 students finish their high school studies by undertaking the world-recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
MBIS seeks to actively recruit and retain students for whom an international education will address and provide growth for their unique learning profile. The school places a heavy emphasis on the importance of character development and the role of student well-being in embracing change and developing new tools and resources needed to live productively and sustainably. This is especially pertinent in community relations as well as in coordination with our local host city and country in Kobe, Japan.
The school’s Admissions Policy is driven by its Guiding Statements, which align with its program design for learning within a diverse and highly connected global world. It is the mission of the admissions department to support recruitment, enrollment, and retention in a professional manner, and to ensure that prospective and returning families understand the MBIS Mission, Vision and Guiding Statements for our global learning community.
Re-enrolment at MBIS is an annual process, and families must inform the school during the re registration period (taking place in April each year) of their intention to re-enroll their child(ren) for the upcoming academic year. Re-enrolment requires submission of an Enrollment Contract.
Re-enrolment is contingent upon:
Should a family not inform the school of their intention to re-enroll a student by the deadline for the re-registration period, the school reserves the right to offer the space to a prospective family seeking enrolment.
MBIS believes in a virtuous cycle of transparency, support and constructive collaboration amongst its faculty and staff, students, and parents. The admissions process is an opportunity to share accurate and meaningful information with our transition specialists to support student academic, social, and emotional well-being. On the rare occasion where key information is knowingly withheld or obscured, the school reserves the right to refuse admission or withdraw a place already offered. If student or parent behavior directly violates the values of the community as stated in our Handbooks, the school reserves the right to request the withdrawal of the individual(s) or family(ies) concerned. MBIS will review on an annual basis its Admissions Policy to ensure alignment and coherency with the school’s Guiding Statements, and reserves the right to modify the policy, as appropriate. Subject to internal governing bylaws, all modifications will be subject to review and approval by the MBIS Board of Directors and Trustees. The latest version of the Admissions Policy should be made available on the school website or through internal electronic archives.
MBIS adheres to Japanese best practice legislation and General Data Protection Regulation as it regards the protection of personal information. Through written request, a family or student may request removal of personal details from the school database or revoke photo permissions previously accorded during the registration process. All members, prospective or current, are encouraged to read our Privacy Policy on our website, and to contact the school with any questions or concerns about how MBIS processes and protects personal data.
Before a student may be admitted to MBIS, they must complete and submit a full set of application documents for review. The application process and submission of materials is available through the MBIS online application portal located on our website.
The application requirements will vary slightly depending on the age of the child. Families should direct any questions or concerns in regards to the application materials, status of application evaluation or process to our admissions department.
The application documentation must be accompanied by the Application Fee (unless the applicant’s company is paying)), as defined on the Fee Schedule (available for consultation on our website) for the current or upcoming academic year. In the event a student’s application is denied, the application fee will not be refunded.
In addition to the non-refundable application fee, application materials include:
Application Checklist
Enrolment is conducted on a rolling admissions basis, beginning in January of the upcoming academic year, and continuing throughout the academic year, subject to space availability. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Team on an on-going basis and in order of completion, and formal notification of the decision (acceptance, waiting pool, denial) communicated within approximately 10-15 business days, beginning in mid-February of the upcoming academic year.
To optimize the learning environment, MBIS places limits on class sizes (excluding staff and faculty children). As a result, successful applicants may be wait-pooled. Wait pools are not organized on a first-come first-placed basis. Priority within wait pools may be determined by the following factors:
Maximum class sizes at a glance:
M3 & M4 | 1:8 (24) |
K | 1:12 (18) |
1 – 12 | 25 (excluding faculty children) |
*class sizes may be adjusted to accommodate faculty children and siblings of current / prospective students. Sibling shall mean natural child or child of a current marriage. Applications for a broader interpretation of the definition of sibling shall be referred to the Head of School.
Enrolment is subject to the availability of places within the School. If the School reserves a place for a student and offers enrolment, then, subject to payment of the Application Fee, Registration Fee and Development Fund, this Contract of Enrolment is binding as a contract on the School and the applicant/s.
Tuition fees are payable no later than three weeks prior to the commencement of class. Monthly payments are approved for special cases only. The School may cancel the enrolment of any student enrolled if tuition fees, course fees and other fees have not been paid by the dates specified.
All notices of cancellation/withdrawal should be advised in writing to the Head of School. Advice of cancellation/withdrawal should be given at the earliest possible time and in any case at least six school weeks before it is effective.
Tuition fees are payable until the end of the six school weeks’ notice period.
In semester two, notice of cancellation/withdrawal must be received at least six weeks prior to the end of the semester.
Where no notice is given, a fee to the amount of 25% (twenty-five percent) of the annual tuition fees and any applicable fees will be charged, payable to the School in lieu of notice.
If written notice is received at least six school weeks prior to cancellation/withdrawal, a prorata refund on tuition fees is made according to school policy.
Please note that the Application Fee, Registration Fee, Development Fund and mandatory fees are non-refundable.
The School will not refund the tuition fees of any student whose offer of place is withdrawn because of incorrect and/or fraudulent documentation, from a period beginning six school weeks prior to school commencement.
The School will not refund the tuition fees of any student who is removed from the School roll through non-attendance or expulsion.
The School may cancel the enrolment of any student who is absent for twenty-one school days (in any one year) with no satisfactory explanation.
If a student does not comply with the School rules, as amended from time to time, the School reserves the right to suspend or expel the student. No refund of fees will be made.
To the fullest extent permitted by law or in equity, the School shall under no circumstances be liable to the student or the applicant/s or any other person, for direct or indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind, arising out of, or attributable to any breach by the School of its obligations under the Contract of Enrolment, negligence on the part of the School, or any act or thing done or not done by the School. For the purpose of this Contract of Enrolment, consequential loss shall include (without limitation), loss of income or profit and loss or damage to persons or property.
The School undertakes to provide tuition as set down from time to time in the prospectus (website). The School may decline to offer a subject if there are insufficient students wishing to study it, or there is no staff member available to teach the course. In such cases, every effort will be made to find a replacement teacher or to offer other courses. At times, it may also be necessary to close the roll in a subject if it is deemed to be full by the Head of School.
The information collected by the School during the Admissions and Enrollment processes and during the period in which the student is enrolled at the School is intended for use in connection with the education and wellbeing of the student and may be used by any of the staff or faculty of the School or consultant to the School in connection with that purpose. Information may be retained to enable the School to contact former students. Students have the right of access to and correction of personal information collected by the School.
Grade Placement
Age | Date of Birth | MBIS | US | UK | Japan | Korea | Graduation Year | |
3 | 1 September 2019 | 31 August 2020 | Early Years 3 | Preschool | Preschool | 幼稚園年少 | 2038 | |
4 | 1 September 2018 | 31 August 2019 | Early Years 4 | Pre-Kindergarten | Reception | 幼稚園年中 | 2037 | |
5 | 1 September 2017 | 31 August 2018 | Early Years 5 | Kindergarten | Infant Year 1 | 幼稚園年長 | Preschool | 2036 |
6 | 1 September 2016 | 31 August 2017 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Infant Year 2 | 小学1年 | Grade 1 | 2035 |
7 | 1 September 2015 | 31 August 2016 | Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Junior Year 3 | 小学2年 | Grade 2 | 2034 |
8 | 1 September 2014 | 31 August 2015 | Grade 3 | Grade 3 | Junior Year 4 | 小学3年 | Grade 3 | 2033 |
9 | 1 September 2013 | 31 August 2014 | Grade 4 | Grade 4 | Junior Year 5 | 小学4年 | Grade 4 | 2032 |
10 | 1 September 2012 | 31 August 2013 | Grade 5 | Grade 5 | Junior Year 6 | 小学5年 | Grade 5 | 2031 |
11 | 1 September 2011 | 31 August 2012 | Grade 6 | Grade 6 | Year 7 | 小学6年 | Grade 6 | 2030 |
12 | 1 September 2010 | 31 August 2011 | Grade 7 | Grade 7 | Year 8 | 中学1年 | Grade 7 | 2029 |
13 | 1 September 2009 | 31 August 2010 | Grade 8 | Grade 8 | Year 9 | 中学2年 | Grade 8 | 2028 |
14 | 1 September 2008 | 31 August 2009 | Grade 9 | Grade 9 | Year 10 | 中学3年 | Grade 9 | 2027 |
15 | 1 September 2007 | 31 August 2008 | Grade 10 | Grade 10 | Year 11 | 高校1年 | Grade 10 | 2026 |
16 | 1 September 2006 | 31 August 2007 | Grade 11 | Grade 11 | Year 12 | 高校2年 | Grade 11 | 2025 |
17 | 1 September 2005 | 31 August 2006 | Grade 12 | Grade 12 | Year 13 | 高校3年 | Grade 12 | 2024 |
Age | Date of Birth | MBIS | US | UK | Japan | Korea | Graduation Year | |
3 | 1 September 2020 | 31 August 2021 | Early Years 3 | Preschool | Preschool | 幼稚園年少 | 2039 | |
4 | 1 September 2029 | 31 August 2020 | Early Years 4 | Pre-Kindergarten | Reception | 幼稚園年中 | 2038 | |
5 | 1 September 2018 | 31 August 2019 | Early Years 5 | Kindergarten | Infant Year 1 | 幼稚園年長 | Preschool | 2037 |
6 | 1 September 2017 | 31 August 2018 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Infant Year 2 | 小学1年 | Grade 1 | 2036 |
7 | 1 September 2016 | 31 August 2017 | Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Junior Year 3 | 小学2年 | Grade 2 | 2035 |
8 | 1 September 2015 | 31 August 2016 | Grade 3 | Grade 3 | Junior Year 4 | 小学3年 | Grade 3 | 2034 |
9 | 1 September 2014 | 31 August 2015 | Grade 4 | Grade 4 | Junior Year 5 | 小学4年 | Grade 4 | 2033 |
10 | 1 September 2013 | 31 August 2014 | Grade 5 | Grade 5 | Junior Year 6 | 小学5年 | Grade 5 | 2032 |
11 | 1 September 2012 | 31 August 2013 | Grade 6 | Grade 6 | Year 7 | 小学6年 | Grade 6 | 2031 |
12 | 1 September 2011 | 31 August 2012 | Grade 7 | Grade 7 | Year 8 | 中学1年 | Grade 7 | 2030 |
13 | 1 September 2010 | 31 August 2011 | Grade 8 | Grade 8 | Year 9 | 中学2年 | Grade 8 | 2029 |
14 | 1 September 2009 | 31 August 2010 | Grade 9 | Grade 9 | Year 10 | 中学3年 | Grade 9 | 2028 |
15 | 1 September 2008 | 31 August 2009 | Grade 10 | Grade 10 | Year 11 | 高校1年 | Grade 10 | 2027 |
16 | 1 September 2007 | 31 August 2008 | Grade 11 | Grade 11 | Year 12 | 高校2年 | Grade 11 | 2026 |
17 | 1 September 2006 | 31 August 2007 | Grade 12 | Grade 12 | Year 13 | 高校3年 | Grade 12 | 2025 |
Age | Date of Birth | MBIS | US | UK | Japan | Korea | Graduation Year | |
3 | 1 September 2021 | 31 August 2022 | Early Years 3 | Preschool | Preschool | 幼稚園年少 | 2040 | |
4 | 1 September 2020 | 31 August 2021 | Early Years 4 | Pre-Kindergarten | Reception | 幼稚園年中 | 2039 | |
5 | 1 September 2019 | 31 August 2020 | Early Years 5 | Kindergarten | Infant Year 1 | 幼稚園年長 | Preschool | 2038 |
6 | 1 September 2018 | 31 August 2019 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Infant Year 2 | 小学1年 | Grade 1 | 2037 |
7 | 1 September 2017 | 31 August 2018 | Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Junior Year 3 | 小学2年 | Grade 2 | 2036 |
8 | 1 September 2016 | 31 August 2017 | Grade 3 | Grade 3 | Junior Year 4 | 小学3年 | Grade 3 | 2035 |
9 | 1 September 2015 | 31 August 2016 | Grade 4 | Grade 4 | Junior Year 5 | 小学4年 | Grade 4 | 2034 |
10 | 1 September 2014 | 31 August 2015 | Grade 5 | Grade 5 | Junior Year 6 | 小学5年 | Grade 5 | 2033 |
11 | 1 September 2013 | 31 August 2014 | Grade 6 | Grade 6 | Year 7 | 小学6年 | Grade 6 | 2032 |
12 | 1 September 2012 | 31 August 2013 | Grade 7 | Grade 7 | Year 8 | 中学1年 | Grade 7 | 2031 |
13 | 1 September 2011 | 31 August 2012 | Grade 8 | Grade 8 | Year 9 | 中学2年 | Grade 8 | 2030 |
14 | 1 September 2010 | 31 August 2011 | Grade 9 | Grade 9 | Year 10 | 中学3年 | Grade 9 | 2029 |
15 | 1 September 2009 | 31 August 2010 | Grade 10 | Grade 10 | Year 11 | 高校1年 | Grade 10 | 2028 |
16 | 1 September 2008 | 31 August 2009 | Grade 11 | Grade 11 | Year 12 | 高校2年 | Grade 11 | 2027 |
17 | 1 September 2007 | 31 August 2008 | Grade 12 | Grade 12 | Year 13 | 高校3年 | Grade 12 | 2026 |