In this guide
To choose a school in Pedro Juan Caballero, settle three things before you visit: public, private or state-subsidised private; which language your child needs to learn in (Spanish and Guaraní are taught everywhere, and Portuguese is part of daily life on this border); and how long a daily commute your child can handle. Then shortlist two or three schools near home, visit on a school day and ask for every yearly cost in writing.
Public, private or subsidised?
The district has about 31 secondary schools, both state and private (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In practice the difference is what you can be charged:
- Public school (gestión oficial): enrolment is free. The Ministry of Education (MEC) reminds families that the parents' association contribution is voluntary and cannot be a condition for enrolment (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
- Subsidised private (privado subvencionado): the state covers part of the cost and families pay a monthly fee. Ask the amount and any extra charges.
- Private: enrolment fee, monthly fees, uniform, materials and activities. Get the full list in writing and ask which currency and payment methods they accept.
If a public school asks you to pay to enrol, you can report it to the MEC on (021) 497-555, 0800-114975 or quejasydenuncias@mec.gov.py.
Which level does your child need?
Paraguay has early education up to age 5, basic school from 1st to 9th grade (ages 6 to 14) and secondary (media), three years from 15 to 17, with a science or technical track (UNHCR (opens in a new tab)). If you want one school for the long run, check it covers every level. For secondary, ask which tracks they offer, as not every school has the same technical options.
Language: the key question on this border
Spanish, Guaraní and Portuguese all live side by side in Pedro Juan Caballero and Ponta Porã, and you will hear plenty of "portuñol" (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Paraguayan schools teach in Spanish and Guaraní, so:
- If your family speaks Portuguese or English at home: ask what support new pupils get while their Spanish catches up, and how Guaraní is assessed for a child who has just arrived.
- If a school calls itself bilingual: ask which languages. If it means English, ask how many hours a week and from which grade.
- If your child has studied abroad: bring report cards for every completed grade and ask the school which documents it needs to place your child in the right grade before term starts.
How long is the daily commute?
The city runs straight into Brazil's Ponta Porã along Avenida Internacional Doctor Francia, the border line itself, and the two form an urban area of more than 200,000 people (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The busy downtown sits near that avenue. Before you decide:
- Do a test run at the real drop-off time on a weekday.
- If the school runs a bus, ask about the route and pick-up time.
- Factor in rain: the city gets about 1,650 mm a year, and on stormy mornings a short trip makes all the difference.
A school ten minutes from home often beats a better-known one across town.
What to check on the visit
Ask to see the school during lessons, not just the admissions office. Look at:
- Class sizes and whether younger grades have an assistant.
- Ventilation and shade in classrooms and the playground for the hot months.
- Drop-off and pick-up control: who may collect your child and how they check.
- Communication with families: which channel and how often reports come home.
- Late-fee rules: under Law 5738/16, private schools may not bar pupils from exams, withhold report cards or publicise a family's debt over late fees (Hoy (opens in a new tab)).
When should you enrol?
The 2026 school year runs from 23 February to 30 November, with winter break from 13 to 24 July (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). Many schools open enrolment for the next year near the end of the year, when report cards are handed out, and popular private schools fill up first. If you want a guaranteed place, start asking in September or October.
FAQ
How many schools are there in Pedro Juan Caballero?
The district has about 31 secondary schools, public and private, plus primary schools. Shortlist by level, language and distance from home.
Is enrolment at public schools in Pedro Juan Caballero free?
Yes. State schools cannot charge for enrolment, and the parents' association fee is voluntary. If you are charged, you can report it to the MEC on 0800-114975.
Do schools in Pedro Juan Caballero teach in Portuguese?
Paraguayan schools teach in Spanish and Guaraní. If your child speaks Portuguese at home, ask each school what support it gives new pupils.
When does the school year start in Paraguay?
The 2026 school year began on 23 February and ends on 30 November, with winter break from 13 to 24 July.
