Founded in 2017 by a credentialed U.S. classroom teacher, Learning Lab Kobe, or “The Lab,” provides learning support and enrichment to internationally minded children ages 6 to 18 in the Kobe and Osaka area.
The Lab is an inclusive environment that nurtures the unique, diverse needs of children who learn and think in English. Our progressive teaching philosophy focuses on personalized, long-term support systems that encourage students to view their education as a means of empowerment and self-discovery.
2026 Schedule
Writing and STEM Intensives are designed to support and enhance the learning of children attending international schools or maintaining English fluency while living in Japan.
We begin each day with 30 minutes of small group read-aloud or guided reading groups followed by writing workshops that support learners through a week-long learning unit. Students receive targeted, direct instruction on vocabulary, grammar and literary devices to incorporate into their own work.
By the end of the week, writers will have crafted multiple drafts leading to a final writing piece to take home to treasure. Students may choose to publish their writing in the Summer Intensive Writing Magazine that is published March of the following year.
In the afternoons, we explore STEM topics with guided experiments followed by a self-led Makers Space. Children can choose from two or more STEM activities during Science Hour. Learners will be able to apply the hands-on STEAM concepts and skills independently during their 1-1.5 hour long Makers Space time that ends each day. A movie option is available in the last 30 minutes of the school day.
2026 Tentative Schedule
(MS & HS Weeks TBD)
The Middle School and High School Summer Intensive Programs cover the skills needed to succeed in literature and mathematics programs in the International Baccalaureate and AP System.
Each week covers a different area of both writing and mathematics that will be assessed cumulatively in the Middle Years and Diploma Programme.
Students will learn to annotate text, formulate independent analysis and discuss themes and authors in Socratic seminars. Notes from these seminars will be recorded and made available for use for completing final, independent literary analysis assignments.
Assigned readings and homework will be given at least 4 weeks before the class. Students will receive a pre-assessment to determine skill gaps to the week's given topic. Instructions will be given, formatted and tailor-fit to the students grade level an ability.
The maximum class size will be 8 students. Preference will be given to full day applicants.
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