Austin School Finds a Way to Flourish Amid Tough Times

With growth unabated, school relies on fundraiser to keep up with the demand

Austin, TX – April 3, 2011 – As schools across the country are challenged with budget cuts and layoffs, one Austin independent school is finding a way not only to survive, but to thrive. The Magellan International School has experienced unprecedented growth since opening its doors in August, 2009. What started as a Pre-K to 1st grade institution with only 45 students will welcome more than 180 students in pre-school through 4th grade in the fall of 2011. While the school's early success is very exciting, ensuring its continuing excellence and growth requires constant fundraising. Magellan's annual Noche de Gala on April 8, 2011 at the Renaissance Hotel Austin is the biggest way in which a community of parents and local businesses do just that.

"What draws families to our school is the Spanish Immersion program allied with a uniquely transdisciplinary, international curriculum guided by the International Baccalaureate Organization*. Mandarin is also taught starting in 3rd grade," says Marisa Leon, Head of School. Jill Jaimes, president of the parents' association adds, "I love our close-knit community and how everyone is willing to step in whenever something needs to get done." In fact, 65% of parents at MIS are active volunteers, serving on over 25 committees.

Teri Terrazas-Graham, mom to a 1st grader, has chaired the Gala committee two years in a row. "I believe we have been able to top last-year's gala, which was a great success." Noche de Gala 2011 promises to be a hot ticket with live and silent auctions, and merengue and salsa lessons prior to popular local Latin Jazz group "The Brew" taking the stage. "We have over 85 silent auction items," says Michelle Cherry, co-chair of the Gala overseeing donations. "The support from local businesses has been overwhelming and we are so grateful." Further delighting attendees will be the live auction items, including private homes and villas in France, the Dominican Republic, Bali, Mexico and Nicaragua, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience package with James Taylor. A fantastic deal is sure to be won.

Proceeds from the Gala will help to raise the funds necessary to maintain and expand the school facility, build a library, continue to develop the academic programs, and hire and retain exemplary teaching and administrative staff. "We are growing so quickly," says founder Erin Defosse. "I attribute it to the commitment and the belief our families hold that we are building something great. However, with growth always comes the need for more resources." Eagerly, the community is rolling up its sleeves.

To purchase tickets and support MIS, please visit http://www.magellanschool.org/nochedegala.

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programmes: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the IB Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org.

About The Magellan International School

The Magellan International School is an independent, not-for-profit, school in Austin, Texas.  The school offers Pre-K through 3rd Grade and will be adding one grade level per year until a full Pre-K through 12 program is in place. The School’s fundamental objective is to prepare children to become engaged Global Citizens of the 21st Century that can meet the challenges and opportunities facing the world in this age of globalization. The School features a child-centric, inquiry based curriculum based on international standards with English-Spanish language immersion from Pre-K onwards and Mandarin starting in 3rd grade. For more information visit www.magellanschool.org