Preschool - Ages 3-5

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• What is Spanish immersion?

  Spanish immersion is an educational approach in which children learn academic content in Spanish rather than studying Spanish as a separate subject. Instead of translating constantly, students acquire language naturally through daily instruction, play, and interaction.
  
  

  At Magellan International School in Austin, preschool students are immersed in Spanish for 90% of the school day. Through inquiry-based lessons, songs, stories, and hands-on activities, children build comprehension and speaking skills organically while developing early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.

• Does my child need to speak Spanish before enrolling?

  No. Prior Spanish experience is not required to enroll in Magellan’s preschool program. Most students begin with little or no Spanish background.

  At Magellan International School in Austin, teachers are trained in immersion methodology and use visual cues, modeling, repetition, and supportive classroom routines to help beginners feel confident. Young children are especially capable of acquiring language naturally, and students quickly begin understanding and using Spanish in meaningful ways.

• Is Spanish immersion preschool hard for beginners?

  No. Spanish immersion preschool is designed specifically for young children who are new to the language. At this age, children acquire language naturally through repetition, visual cues, play, and meaningful interaction rather than formal instruction.

  At Magellan International School in Austin, most preschool students begin with little or no prior Spanish experience. Teachers use songs, gestures, modeling, and supportive classroom routines to help children feel confident and comfortable as they begin understanding and speaking Spanish.

• How much Spanish is spoken each day?

  At Magellan International School’s preschool in Austin, students are immersed in Spanish for approximately 90% of the school day. Spanish is used for academic instruction, play, routines, and daily conversation so that children learn the language in authentic, meaningful contexts.
  
  

  English language development is supported naturally over time, and students build strong literacy skills in both languages as they progress through the Primary Years Program.

• What are the benefits of Spanish immersion in preschool?

  Spanish immersion in preschool helps children develop bilingual fluency during the years when the brain is most receptive to language learning. Research shows that early bilingual education supports cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and strong literacy development in both languages.

  At Magellan International School in Austin, preschool students are immersed in Spanish for 90% of the school day through play-based, inquiry-driven learning. Children build confidence using Spanish naturally while also developing strong academic and social-emotional foundations.

• What does IB mean in Preschool?

  IB stands for International Baccalaureate, a globally recognized educational framework that emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and global awareness. In preschool, the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) encourages children to ask questions, explore big ideas, and make connections through hands-on learning.
  
  

  At Magellan International School in Austin, the IB approach supports curiosity, collaboration, and early independence. Even our youngest learners engage in age-appropriate inquiry while building strong academic and social foundations.

• How is the IB Primary Years Program different from Montessori?

  The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and Montessori both value student independence, but they differ in structure and instructional approach. Montessori classrooms typically emphasize self-directed individual work with specialized materials, while IB PYP classrooms center on guided inquiry, collaboration, and exploration of broad conceptual themes.
  
  

  At Magellan International School in Austin, preschool students learn through inquiry units that integrate language, math, science, and social studies, while teachers provide structured support and intentional skill development within a bilingual environment.

• What does a typical day look like in preschool?

  A typical day in Magellan’s Spanish immersion preschool includes structured learning, guided play, outdoor exploration, and collaborative inquiry — all conducted primarily in Spanish.
  
  

  At Magellan International School in Austin, students participate in circle time, early literacy and math activities, creative arts, movement, and social-emotional learning. Classroom routines are intentionally designed to support language development while maintaining a joyful, nurturing environment where children feel known and supported.

• How is Magellan’s preschool different from daycare?

  Preschool and daycare serve different purposes. Daycare primarily focuses on supervision and care, while preschool emphasizes early childhood education and structured developmental learning.
  
  

  Magellan International School’s preschool in Austin combines a nurturing environment with a Spanish immersion academic program guided by the IB Primary Years Programme. Students receive individualized attention in small classes while developing bilingual language skills, early literacy, and social-emotional growth in a purpose-driven learning setting.