About MBIS
Our Story
Empowering minds and shaping futures for over 70 years
The Marist Brothers International School Journey
How It Began
1817
The Marist Brothers were formed, and their first school was opened in La Valla, France by Marcellin Champagnat, a Catholic priest. With a mission to provide education to rural communities, the priest’s guiding principle remains relevant today: “To raise children properly, we should love them and love them equally.”
1937
Father Unterwald of Kobe’s Sacred Heart Church discussed with the Marist Brothers in Shanghai the possibility of opening a school in Kobe, Japan. However, due to a shortage of Brothers and the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the plan was postponed.
1951
The Marist Brothers International School (MBIS), formerly known as Marist Brothers School, opened its doors for the first time in the high slope of Higashi Suma (near Rikyu Koen) in Kobe. The school was founded by Brother Charles Fojoucyk and Brother Stephan Weber, who had relocated from China due to political changes.
1952
MBIS relocated to a quieter, more accessible location—a former home and property belonging to Viscount Kuki, the fifteenth daimyo of Sanda. Known for his openness to Western ideas, Viscount Kuki was a Christian convert who supported education and religion in the Kobe area. The property’s two large wooden Japanese houses were repurposed into classrooms and offices.
1953
The junior class took the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate Examination. At the time, The Marist Brothers followed the well-regarded British curriculum and would do so for many years to come.
1955
The school underwent its first major expansion to accommodate the growing student population—a large new building was constructed with new facilities to enhance the learning environment.
1956
The first PTA was established, and inaugural extra-curricular activities began.
1966
A landmark moment occurred with the enrollment of the first second-generation student—a child of an MBIS alumnus.
1972
MBIS received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring the quality and recognition of its educational programs.
1995
The Great Hanshin earthquake struck Kobe, severely damaging MBIS. Despite the destruction, the school reopened its doors to students within just five weeks, demonstrating resilience and dedication to the community.
2017
The school became an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering globally recognized programs that foster critical thinking and international mindedness.
2022
The school embarked on an ambitious journey by committing to the campus redevelopment project that saw the demolition of the old administration building and the construction of the West and North Buildings. The 5 year strategic plan included the school’s commitment to the International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years Programmes.
Present
MBIS is a candidate school for the IB PYP and MYP and will seek authorisation in 2025.
Marist Brothers International School
