History & Mission
Rooted in Tradition,
Growing for the Future
“ A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1909 ”
Deutsche Schule Kobe International
(DSKI) is one of Japan’s oldest
international schools,
with a rich history dating back to 1909.
Originally established as
a small community school
for German expatriates,
DSKI has evolved into a diverse,
inclusive institution that
welcomes students from all nationalities.
Over the decades, the school has adapted to the changing needs of the international community.
In 2002, it expanded beyond its German roots by introducing an English-language section, which later developed into a full IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
By 2006, DSKI became the first IB PYP World School in Kobe.
In 2009, the school moved to its current award-winning eco-friendly campus on Rokko Island, offering a modern learning environment designed by German and Japanese architects.
In 2015, the school fully integrated its German and international sections under the name Deutsche Schule Kobe International.
Our Eco-Friendly Campus
Our current school building, completed in 2009, is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Constructed from sustainably sourced timber, this two-story wooden structure provides a natural and healthy environment for our students. The untreated internal wooden panels were locally sourced to minimize ecological impact.
The building features high thermal insulation surpassing current Japan Energy Conservation Standards and utilizes a low-energy cooling/heating system with underground piping, known as ‘Earthtube’, to reduce energy demands.
Wooden decks, balconies, and sun awnings maximize sunshade and rain protection, allowing an interplay between outdoor and indoor areas.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to daily practices, including paper recycling in all classrooms and the use of digital technologies to reduce paper usage. This dedication to environmental responsibility earned us a prestigious Eco Award from the Japanese Institute of Architects.
Our Mission:
Inspiring Lifelong
Learners
At DSKI, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning community that empowers students to become open-minded, curious, and globally aware individuals. As an IB PYP World School and a certified Cambridge International School, we provide a holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.
Our unique multilingual environment supports German, English, and Japanese language programs, helping students develop strong communication skills and global perspectives.
Rooted in over a century of educational excellence, we continue to embrace innovation while honoring our heritage, empowering our students to unlock their full potential—cultivating confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility to thrive in an ever-changing world.
