Schools in Lambaré: how to choose the right one

To choose a school in Lambaré, start with the commute: a school near your barrio, one your child can reach without crossing the spots that flood in heavy rain or the busiest avenues, will make the whole year easier. Then decide between public, private, or subsidized, visit two or three options on a school day, and get everything you will pay in writing.

What kinds of schools are there in Lambaré?

There is a wide range: the Colegio Nacional de Lambaré and many public primary schools, private and religious schools, technical schools such as San Juan Bautista, and even international schools (Wikipedia⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). To organize your search:

• Public (gestión oficial): enrollment is free and the parents' association fee is voluntary; it cannot be required to enroll (La Nación⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).
• Subsidized private (subvencionado): the state covers part of the cost and families pay a fee. Ask how much and what extras apply.
• Private: enrollment fee, monthly fees, uniform, supplies, activities and sometimes transport.
• Technical: if your child is in secondary and wants to graduate with a trade, ask which specialties they offer and whether they include internships.

If a public school charges you to enroll, you can report it to the Ministry of Education (MEC) at 0800-114975 or quejasydenuncias@mec.gov.py.

What happens to the commute when it rains?

In Lambaré, heavy rain changes the map. The municipality has asked people to avoid spots during downpours such as Avenida Augusto Roa Bastos, the Lambaré stream, several Cacique Lambaré crossings (at Río Apa, Humaitá, Héroes del 70 and Juan Bautista Rivarola) and stretches of Luis María Argaña (ABC Color⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).

Before deciding:

• Check whether the route from home to school passes any of those points and whether there is an alternative.
• Ask the school what happens on storm days: whether they announce closures, tolerate late arrivals, and how they handle pickup.
• If your child walks or takes the bus, think about where they would wait if a storm starts.

How much traffic will you face each morning?

Avenida Cacique Lambaré is one of the city's main roads, and Avenida Defensores del Chaco, which links to Villa Elisa, has long jams according to the municipalities themselves. Do a test run on a weekday at drop-off time.

Because Lambaré borders Asunción, many families compare schools on both sides. A school in Asunción can work if it is on your way to work, but add up the real round-trip time before ruling out one in your own neighborhood.

Which level and track are you looking for?

In Paraguay, early education runs to age 5, basic school covers 1st to 9th grade, and secondary (educación media) lasts three years with a science-track or technical bachillerato. If you want your child to do all their schooling in one place, confirm the school offers every level. If they plan a technical career, a technical school may make more sense than a science track.

What should you ask during the visit?

Ask to visit during class hours and bring these questions:

• How many students per grade, and is there an assistant in the younger grades?
• How do they control entry, exit, and who picks children up?
• What support do they give if your child falls behind or needs adjustments?
• How do they communicate with families, and how often are meetings held?
• Which extra activities exist, and which cost extra?

Look at the classrooms too: ventilation, shade in the playground and the state of the bathrooms say a lot about daily life there.

When do you need to enroll?

The 2026 school year started on February 23 and ends on November 30, according to the MEC calendar. Many schools open enrollment for the next year near the end of the year, when report cards come out, and the most in-demand private schools fill places earlier. Start asking in September or October, and if you are moving from abroad, ask the school which documents you need in your case.