In this guide
To choose a school in Caacupé, first decide between a public, private or state-subsidised private school, which level your child needs, and how much daily travel along Ruta PY02 or across barrios you can handle. Then shortlist two or three schools, visit on a normal school day and, for a public school, enrol before the current school year ends.
Public, private or subsidised: what will you pay?
- Public (gestión oficial): enrolment is free. The Ministry of Education (MEC) says families pay nothing to get a place or confirm it, and the parents' association contribution is voluntary and cannot be a condition for enrolling (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
- Subsidised private: the state covers part of the cost and families pay a monthly fee. Ask the amount and any other yearly charges.
- Private: enrolment fee, monthly fees, uniform, materials and activities. Get the full list in writing before you sign.
If a public school charges you to enrol, report it to MEC on (021) 497-555, toll-free 0800-114975 or quejasydenuncias@mec.gov.py.
At private schools, Law 5738/16 bars them from denying partial or final exams, withholding report cards, making a family's debt public or bringing forward unpaid instalments because of late payment; fines run from 5 to 50 minimum wages (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). Worth knowing before you sign the contract.
Which level does your child need?
Paraguay has early education (up to age 5), basic school from grade 1 to 9 (ages 6 to 14) and three years of secondary (ages 15 to 17), with a science or technical bachillerato (UNHCR (opens in a new tab)). If you want your child to stay in one place, check that the school covers every level. For secondary, ask which bachillerato tracks it offers; schools in the area do not all have the same options.
When should you enrol in Caacupé?
Early, especially in public schools. The head of a school in the Yvoty barrio told ABC Color (opens in a new tab) that MEC sends school-supply kits based on the previous year's enrolment, so children enrolled late sometimes start classes without one. Schools announce enrolment at end-of-year parent meetings, so go to them.
In 2026 public-school classes started on 23 February and end on 30 November; most private schools started on 9 February (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). For a private school in demand, start asking between September and November.
How do the commute and the pilgrimage affect you?
Caacupé is 54 km from Asunción, Ruta PY02 runs through the city and a paved road heads north-east to Tobatí (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). A school on the highway or in the Centro works well if you live near a bus stop; if you live in outlying barrios such as Azcurra, Cabañas or Itá Yvú Guazú, time the real trip at school start time.
Every December the city receives thousands of pilgrims for the 8 December feast. In 2025 heavy vehicles were banned from the PY02 from 5 to 8 December (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). Classes are over by then, but if you have enrolment paperwork at year's end, avoid those days.
What should you check on the visit?
Ask to visit on a school day, not just meet in the office. Look at:
- Heat and cold: average highs in Caacupé approach 39 °C and lows drop to about 3 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Check ventilation, fans and whether classrooms close properly in winter.
- Lunch: ask whether the school serves meals and what the kitchen looks like.
- Buildings: roofs, toilets and a covered playground.
- Drop-off and pick-up: who checks that only authorised adults collect children.
- Communication: how the school contacts families and how often reports come home.
Which documents will they ask for?
Each school has its own list, so ask for it in writing on your first visit and check whether copies are accepted or originals are required. If your child is changing schools, ask which certificate or report card they need from the previous one. If you are moving from abroad, ask the school and MEC (toll-free 0800-114975) what process your child's studies need before enrolment.
FAQ
Is enrolment free at public schools in Caacupé?
Yes. Public (gestión oficial) schools cannot charge to enrol or confirm a place, and the parents' association contribution is voluntary. Report any charge to MEC on 0800-114975.
When should I enrol my child in Caacupé?
Before the school year ends, at the end-of-year parent meetings. MEC sends supply kits based on the previous year's enrolment, so late enrolment can mean starting without a kit.
Can a private school deny exams over late fees?
No. Law 5738/16 bars private schools from denying partial or final exams, withholding report cards or publicising a family's debt over late fees.
When does the school year run in Paraguay?
In 2026 public schools ran from 23 February to 30 November, and most private schools started on 9 February.
