Growing Together: DSKI’s Vision to Expand into a Secondary School
We are excited to share with you the early stages of a transformative new chapter in DSKI’s development – one that we believe will shape the future of our school for generations to come.
The Background
Since the closure of the adjacent Toho Supermarket, the DSKI Board has been in active discussions with Kobe City about the possibility of leasing the now-vacant land to expand our school grounds. A key condition of this potential lease is that the land must be developed – an opportunity we see not only as a challenge, but as a catalyst for growth.
Over the years, we have heard again and again how much families appreciate DSKI’s warm atmosphere and academic quality. At the same time, we understand the difficult decisions many families face when students leave in Grades 4 or 5 to secure placement in their preferred junior high schools. Currently, DSKI cannot yet offer a complete educational pathway through to high school – and this is something we are now determined to change.
A Vision Begins
We are thrilled to announce that we have connected with a renowned German architect, internationally recognized for designing the German and Kuwait Expo Pavilions, and celebrated for his visionary work in sustainable architecture. It is a true honor to have such an esteemed expert supporting our project — especially one who shares our belief in education and environmental responsibility. He also brings extensive experience in designing school buildings, combining functionality with beauty and environmental awareness. Even more remarkably, he has generously offered to support our early planning efforts pro bono.
In addition, we are connected to potential full donors, who are likely to have interest in funding the entire school building. If confirmed, the future campus would likely be donated by a single person — a generous act that may be honored by naming the new building after them.
Where We Are Now
At this stage, we sent an initial proposal to Kobe City, outlining our concept of transforming the adjacent site into a secondary school campus. While we await their feedback, we are also working to assemble a professional project team to carry out:
- A detailed feasibility study
- Development of various architectural and educational scenarios
- Exploration of funding strategies and long-term sustainability
While the journey has only just begun, this is a meaningful step forward in making our shared vision a reality. Final decisions will, of course, depend on the outcome of these assessments and official approval from the city.
Our Vision for the Future
Our dream is to extend DSKI’s offerings all the way through Grade 12, leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The future curriculum will emphasize STEM education and multilingual proficiency, including recognized certification pathways that support university access in Germany.
We also aim to regain recognition as an official German School Abroad, which would open the door to additional long-term support from the German government – further strengthening the foundation and future of DSKI.
We look forward to sharing updates with you as this exciting initiative unfolds. Thank you for being part of our vibrant and supportive community – and for dreaming big with us.
Warmly,
Your DSKI Board
