On November 9, Magellan International School hosted its annual International Festival at the school’s new 14-acre campus on North Capital of Texas Highway. Designed to celebrate global connectedness, this annual event, organized by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, brought together more than 800 attendees for an afternoon of food, music, games, and cultural discovery.
At Magellan, fostering global citizenship is central to its mission. As part of the IB program, the school emphasizes cultural awareness and inclusivity, boasting one of the highest family diversity percentages among independent schools of its kind in the Austin area. The International Festival is a cornerstone of this mission, offering students, families, and the broader community an opportunity to explore and celebrate the richness of global cultures.
Each year, the festival features six countries representing each continent (excluding Antarctica), with the selected countries rotating annually to ensure fresh perspectives. This year’s featured countries—Bolivia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Fiji, Greece, and Vietnam—were showcased through vibrant booths hosted by parents and students in the Middle and High Schools.
The festival brought global exploration to life as attendees sampled authentic cuisine, participated in traditional games, and explored unique customs from six countries. Children collected stamps in their festival passports at each booth, while live performances like the Lion Dance captivated the crowd. Adding to the celebration, an international playlist and a world map—featuring pins from attendees’ home countries—showcased the 61 nations that make up Magellan’s vibrant, diverse community.
“The festival is a reflection of our mission as an IB school—to create knowledgeable and compassionate citizens of the world,” said a school representative. “The passport activity, vibrant attire, live performances, and community engagement perfectly embody that mission.”
For families and educators seeking an enriching environment focused on global citizenship, Magellan International School stands as a shining example of diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence in Austin.
For more information about Magellan International School and its programs, visit www.magellanschool.org.
