In this guide
The Caaguazú district has 241 schools, and almost half of them are rural (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so the first decision is whether you want a school close to home, in your neighbourhood or rural compañía, or one in the town centre on Route PY02. Then pick the type of school (public, subsidised or private) and the level, and only then draw up a short list to visit.
Public, subsidised or private?
- Public: enrolment is free. The Ministry of Education (MEC) reminds families that "absolutely nothing" should be paid to enrol or collect grades, and that the parents' association (ACE) contribution is voluntary (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
- Subsidised private: receives state funding and follows the official MEC calendar (La Nación, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Ask which fees it charges and what they cover.
- Private: each school sets its own start date. Get enrolment, monthly fee, materials, uniform and extras in writing.
At a private school, Law 5738/16 forbids denying a pupil mid-term or final exams or withholding grades over late fees; complaints go to the MEC regional supervisor (Hoy, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
Which level does your child need?
Level · Ages · Length
Early education (Inicial) · 0 to 5 · Up to preschool
Basic education (Escolar Básica) · 6 to 14 · 9 grades in 3 cycles
Secondary (Media) · 15 to 17 · 3 years (science or technical bachillerato)
Source: UNHCR Paraguay (opens in a new tab). For secondary, ask which bachillerato tracks each school offers. A school running from preschool to the final year saves a change halfway through.
Neighbourhood, rural or town-centre school?
Caaguazú sits on Route PY02, 180 km from Asunción and 144 km from Ciudad del Este, and Route PY13 also runs through the district (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); Wikipedia EN (opens in a new tab)). In 2020 there were 30,731 pupils, with 51.8% of schools in the urban area and 48.2% in rural areas (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- For young children, put distance first: if you live in a rural compañía, the nearest school usually beats a "better" one in town that means a highway ride every day.
- Crossing PY02: if home and school are on opposite sides of the highway, walk or drive the route at start time and see where your child crosses.
- Secondary and technical tracks: this is where a trip to the centre can be worth it, if you need a track not offered nearby.
- Test the commute on a weekday at 7:00, not on a Saturday.
When to enrol and when classes start
In the 2026 MEC calendar, schools opened on 10 February, classes started on 23 February, winter break ran from 13 to 23 July and classes end on 30 November (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). That calendar was announced in mid-December 2025; next year's is expected around the same time.
Don't wait until February: by late November 2025 several public schools were already enrolling for the following year (La Nación (opens in a new tab)), and in 2024 some parents camped outside public schools to secure a place (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). Ask in October or November when your preferred school opens enrolment.
What a public or subsidised school provides
- School supply kits: MEC delivers them to public and subsidised schools; in 2026 there were 23 kit types, with a contents list on the bag and a QR code or WhatsApp line to report missing items (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)).
- School lunch (Hambre Cero): in 2024 it covered early education and basic education up to 9th grade, plus secondary in 22 priority districts (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Ask which levels get it at that school.
- Grants: in 2026 MEC opened applications from 25 May to 12 June for G. 1,300,000 grants for 7th-grade pupils at public or subsidised schools from low-income families (Hoy (opens in a new tab)).
What to ask on the visit
- Class sizes and which shifts are offered.
- How the school communicates with families (notebook, WhatsApp, online platform).
- Support for children with specific learning needs.
- At private schools: what happens if you fall behind on fees, and whether there are sibling discounts.
If a public school asks you to pay to enrol, it is not allowed: MEC takes complaints on (021) 497-555, the free line 0800-114975 or quejasydenuncias@mec.gov.py (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
FAQ
How many schools are there in Caaguazú?
According to Wikipedia, in 2020 the district had 241 schools with 30,731 pupils; 51.8% of schools were urban and 48.2% rural.
Is enrolment in a public school in Caaguazú free?
Yes. MEC says enrolment costs nothing and the parents' association contribution is voluntary. If you are charged, you can report it on 0800-114975.
When does the school year start?
In 2026 classes started on 23 February at public and subsidised schools and end on 30 November. MEC publishes the next year's calendar around December.
Can a private school deny exams over unpaid fees?
No. Law 5738/16 forbids denying exams or withholding grades over late fees; complaints go to the MEC regional supervisor.
