Magellan International School in Austin Names Dr. Preston Achilike Head of Secondary

Magellan International School is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Preston Achilike as the school’s new Head of Secondary. Dr. Achilike will officially join the Magellan community on July 1, bringing extensive leadership experience, global perspective, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

As Austin’s only secular, Spanish immersion school offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum in English and Spanish, Magellan serves students from preschool through high school and continues to grow as one of the most distinctive independent schools in Texas.

This important leadership role attracted 77 candidates from around the world. Through a thoughtful, multi-round selection process, Magellan engaged teachers, school leaders, students, and parents to help identify the right leader for this next chapter of the Secondary School program.

Dr. Achilike brings experience from both public and private education and currently serves in a leadership role at a respected independent school in Austin.

Before moving to Austin a decade ago, he taught middle and high school Spanish in Boston and Houston public school systems, where he also served as a Foreign Language Department Chair.

He holds a Doctorate in Education Policy and Planning from The University of Texas at Austin, an Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, and an Ed.M. in Education Administration from Boston College.

Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Dr. Achilike has studied, conducted research, and worked in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.

Dr. Achilike joins Magellan at a pivotal moment as the school continues expanding its college-preparatory high school in Austin.

He will help guide a dynamic student experience that includes multiple pathways to graduation, including the prestigious IB Diploma Program (DP) and the innovative Global Impact Diploma (GDI). These opportunities prepare students for success in college, careers, and a rapidly changing world.

His leadership will support students in grades 6–12 while strengthening Magellan’s commitment to rigorous academics, language learning, and internationally minded education.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Preston Achilike to the Magellan community.

Who is the new Head of Secondary at Magellan International School?
Dr. Preston Achilike has been named the new Head of Secondary and will begin July 1.

Where is Magellan International School located?
Magellan International School is located in Austin, Texas.

What makes Magellan’s high school unique?
Magellan combines rigorous academics with multiple graduation pathways, including the IB Diploma Program (DP) and Global Impact Diploma (GID), in a globally minded environment where students can thrive as bilingual learners or continue building advanced Spanish proficiency.