Education

Education in Paraguay

For expat families, Paraguay offers various educational options, from local schools to international institutions. Quality varies significantly between public and private sectors.

School System Overview

Structure:

• Pre-school: Ages 3-5
• Primary (Educacion Escolar Basica): Grades 1-9
• Secondary (Educacion Media): Grades 10-12

School Year:

• Runs February to November
• Summer break December-January (opposite of Northern Hemisphere)

Private Schools for Expats

Most expat families choose private schools:

Top bilingual/international schools in Asuncion:

• American School of Asuncion (ASA): US curriculum, English instruction
• International School of Asuncion: IB curriculum option
• Colegio Goethe: German-Paraguayan education
• Instituto Paraguayo-Aleman: German system
• Various British/American style schools

Costs:

Note: Enrollment fees can be $1,000-3,000+ at international schools.

Public Schools

Free but challenging:

• Quality varies dramatically
• Often overcrowded
• Spanish/Guarani instruction
• Limited resources in many schools
• Not typically recommended for expat children

Homeschooling

Popular among expat families:

• Legal in Paraguay
• No government oversight or registration required
• Online programs (American, British curricula)
• Co-ops forming among expat families

Common programs used:

• Online American high schools
• British distance learning
• Self-directed curricula
• Tutoring for specific subjects

Universities

Main universities:

• Universidad Nacional de Asuncion (public, largest)
• Universidad Catolica
• Universidad Americana
• Universidad del Pacifico

For expats:

• Affordable tuition ($1,000-5,000/year)
• Instruction in Spanish
• Limited international recognition
• Some students do undergraduate here, graduate abroad

Credential recognition:

• Foreign degrees may need validation
• Process through Ministry of Education
• Can be bureaucratic

Language Considerations

In schools:

• Most private schools offer Spanish/English bilingual
• Public schools primarily Spanish, some Guarani
• Children typically learn Spanish quickly through immersion

For adults:

• Language schools available (IDIPAR, IDEA)
• University Spanish courses
• Private tutors affordable ($10-20/hour)

Tips for Families

1. Research schools before moving - waiting lists exist
2. Visit schools in person to assess quality
3. Consider homeschooling if staying short-term
4. Budget for private school - public system not recommended
5. Children adapt quickly - don't underestimate their language abilities