If you’re moving to Asunción with kids, the school question usually comes up before you’ve even booked your flight. And honestly? You’re smart to be thinking about it early.
Here’s the reality: Asunción has 6-7 legitimate international schools that actually deliver on their promises. Tuition runs anywhere from $5,700 to $15,000 per year depending on the school and grade level a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S., Europe, or other expat hubs. Most have waitlists for certain grade levels, especially elementary. And the quality? It’s better than most people expect.
But like everything in Paraguay, there’s what people say online, and then there’s what actually happens on the ground. This guide covers both.
What Makes a “Good” International School in Asunción?
Before we dive into specific schools, let’s set expectations.
A good international school in Asunción should offer a recognized curriculum, either American, IB or International Baccalaureate, British, or a combination that’s accepted by universities worldwide. It should provide bilingual education with English as the primary language of instruction plus Spanish integration because your kids should actually learn the local language. Accreditation that matters includes COGNIA formerly SACS, IB authorization, or recognition by the U.S. State Department. A university placement track record matters, meaning where do graduates actually go and do they get into real universities? Physical safety and infrastructure includes a secure campus, modern facilities, and emergency protocols.
The top schools in Asunción check all these boxes. The question is which one fits your family.
The Top International Schools in Asunción (Ranked by Popularity Among Expat Families)
1. American School of Asunción (ASA)
Location: Avenida España 1175, Villa Morra
Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade
Student Body: 800+ students, 30+ nationalities
Curriculum: American curriculum + Paraguayan MEC diploma
Tuition (Variable pricing):Contact school directly(estimated Pre-K: $5,700/year K-12: $9,200/year)
Additional Fees: $700 annual registration + one-time entrance fee ($7,750-$9,500 depending on grade)
ASA is the big name. If you ask any expat in Asunción, “What’s the best school?” this is the first one they’ll mention.
What makes ASA stand out:
Founded in 1953, so it’s been around long enough to figure things out. The school operates on an American calendar (August to June), which makes transitions easier for U.S. families. Students graduate with both a U.S. high school diploma and a Paraguayan diploma, giving them maximum flexibility for university applications.
The campus is in Villa Morra, one of Asunción’s safest and most upscale neighborhoods. In 2020, they added a new STEAM building, and the school recently received STEM accreditation. Class sizes are capped at 18-22 students, which is reasonable.
100% of ASA graduates go on to university, with acceptances at top U.S. schools and Paraguayan universities. They offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and standardized testing (PSAT, SAT, AP exams) right on campus.
ASA is popular, which means waitlists. If you’re planning to enroll your elementary-age kids, start the application process at least 6 months ahead, ideally earlier. High school has more availability since students join from other international schools or transfer in from the U.S.
Some parents say the school can feel “very American” and less internationally diverse than they expected, even though 30 plus nationalities are represented. About 65% of students are Paraguayan or South American, with U.S. citizens making up around 18% of enrollment.
The facilities are excellent, the academics are rigorous, and if you want a true American-style education in Paraguay, this is your best bet.
Best for: U.S. families, families planning to return to the U.S. for university, parents who want a familiar American school environment.
2. St. Anne’s School
Location: PCRW+23J, Manuel P Gonzalez, Asunción 001522
Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade
Student Body(Approximate): 600 students
Curriculum: Bilingual (Spanish/English) with IB Diploma Programme
Tuition: Contact school directly (estimated $7,000-$12,000/year range)
St. Anne’s is the school that consistently ranks #1 in local Paraguayan prestige rankings. It’s a Catholic school, though being Catholic is not a requirement for admission.
What makes St. Anne’s stand out:
Founded in 1977, St. Anne’s has built a rock-solid reputation for academic rigor. They offer the IB Diploma Programme and are accredited by COGNIA (the same organization that accredits ASA). The school is officially recognized by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education.
The school follows the Paraguayan calendar (February to November), which can be a pro or con depending on your situation. If you’re planning to stay in Paraguay long-term, this makes sense. If you’re planning to rotate back to the U.S. or Europe, the calendar mismatch can be tricky.
St. Anne’s has about 600 students and over 130 faculty members. The student-to-teacher ratio is excellent, and the school emphasizes both academic excellence and values-based education.
This is a bilingual school, but Spanish plays a bigger role than at ASA. If your kids don’t speak any Spanish when they arrive, there may be a steeper adjustment curve especially in the younger grades.
The Catholic values framework is woven throughout the curriculum. If you’re not religious or prefer a secular environment, this might not be the best fit. But if you appreciate values-based education and want your kids integrated into Paraguayan culture more deeply, St. Anne’s delivers.
Parents consistently praise the school’s strong sense of community and the level of personal attention students receive. It’s less “international” in feel and more “Paraguayan with an international curriculum.”
Best for: Families planning to stay in Paraguay long-term, Catholic families, parents who want deeper integration into local culture.
3. Pan American International School (PAIS)
Location: Calle América esq. 2da.Capital de la República, America, Luque (just outside Asunción)
Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade
Student Body(Approximate): 50% Paraguayan, 50% international
Curriculum: American curriculum, instruction in English
Tuition: Contact school directly (estimated $6,500-$10,500/year range)
PAIS is the option for families who want an American-style education but prefer a smaller, tighter-knit community feel.
What makes PAIS stand out:
The school is located in Luque, which is technically outside Asunción but only about a 15-20 minute drive from central areas. The campus is more spacious than schools located in the city center.
PAIS offers instruction entirely in English, with some specialized Spanish classes. The curriculum is recognized by both the Paraguayan Ministry of Education and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools). They follow the American calendar (August to June).
The student body is split roughly 50/50 between Paraguayan and international students, which creates a genuinely balanced environment. Class sizes are smaller than ASA.
The location in Luque is both a pro and a con. If you live in central Asunción or Villa Morra, you’re looking at a daily commute. But if you’re living in the outskirts or in Luque itself, this could be more convenient.
PAIS is less well-known than ASA or St. Anne’s, which means it doesn’t carry the same “prestige” factor locally. But for parents who care more about actual education quality than name recognition, PAIS delivers solid academics in a more intimate setting.
Some parents choose PAIS specifically because it feels less “corporate” and more community-oriented than the bigger schools.
Best for: Families living in Luque or eastern Asunción, parents who prefer smaller schools with strong community feel.
4. Asunción Christian Academy (ACA)
Location: Santisimo Sacramento 1181, Asunción 001534
Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade
Curriculum: Christian-based American curriculum
Tuition: Contact school directly (estimated $5,000-$8,000/year range)
ACA is the school for families who want a Christ-centered education with an American curriculum.
What makes ACA stand out:
This is an explicitly Christian school. Bible classes, chapel services, and Christian values are integrated throughout the academic program. The curriculum is accredited through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and AdvancED.
They accept English-proficient students, with exceptions for ESL (English as a Second Language) students and Pre-K. The school operates on an American calendar and offers a modified Paraguayan MEC curriculum alongside their Christian education framework.
If you’re not a Christian family or if you prefer secular education, ACA is not for you. But if you want your kids to receive a faith-based education that aligns with your values, ACA is one of the only options in Asunción.
The school is smaller and less expensive than ASA or St. Anne’s, which can be a major advantage for families on tighter budgets. The trade-off is fewer resources, smaller facilities, and less international diversity.
Best for: Christian families who prioritize faith-based education, families on a tighter budget.
5. Lycée Français International Marcel Pagnol (French School)
Location: Pitiantuta 1330, Asunción 001204
Grades: Maternelle through Lycée (preschool through high school)
Curriculum: French national curriculum
Tuition: Contact school directly(estimated $7,000-$12,000/year range)
If you’re French or Francophone, this is your school. If you’re not, it probably isn’t.
What makes the French School stand out:
The school operates under the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and is run in conjunction with the AEFE (Agency for the Teaching of French Abroad). Students follow the French national curriculum, which is recognized worldwide.
The school prepares students for the French Baccalauréat, which is accepted at universities across Europe and internationally.
Instruction is in French. Unless your kids are already fluent in French or you’re planning to eventually return to France or a Francophone country, this school doesn’t make sense.
That said, for French families or families deeply embedded in French culture, this is an excellent option that maintains continuity with the French educational system.
Best for: French families, Francophone families, families planning to return to France or study in French-speaking countries.
6. Colegio Goethe (German School)
Location: Cnel. Alejo Silva & Tte. 1º Carlos Rocholl
Grades: Pre-primary through Bachillerato/Abitur
Curriculum: German national curriculum
Tuition: Contact school directly (estimated $7,000-$12,000/year range)
The German equivalent of the French School. Great if you’re German. Not relevant if you’re not.
What makes Colegio Goethe stand out:
This is a German international school offering pre-primary through high school education following the German curriculum. Students can graduate with the German Abitur, which is recognized for university admission in Germany and across Europe.
Same story as the French School, unless you’re German or planning to pursue higher education in Germany, this isn’t the right fit. But for German families, it’s an excellent way to maintain language and cultural continuity.
Best for: German families, families planning to return to Germany or study in German-speaking countries.
Getting Help From Someone Who’s Actually Done This
In 2026, many international schools have updated their enrollment policies. To secure a spot, most schools now require proof of a pending residency application or a temporary Cedula (ID card). Trying to enroll on a tourist visa is becoming increasingly difficult. We ensure your residency process is synchronized with school application deadlines so your kids don’t lose a semester.
Here’s something that makes WeParaguay different: we have Esther on our team.
Esther is our ‘boots on the ground’ for families. As a mother of two kids currently in the Asunción system, she knows which schools have ‘hidden’ openings that aren’t listed on their websites. In 2026, when waitlists are 12 months long, having Esther’s local connections is often the only way to bypass the queue.
When you work with us, Esther provides hands-on family integration support, including school selection guidance based on your kids’ ages and needs, coordinating school tours and meetings with admissions, help with enrollment paperwork and document preparation, connecting you with other expat families at specific schools, practical advice on uniforms, transportation, and extracurriculars, and ongoing support once your kids are enrolled.
This isn’t generic “relocation consulting.” This is a mom who’s navigating the same system you’re about to enter, helping you skip the mistakes she already made.
You can learn more about Esther’s local concierge services here.
What About Paraguayan Private Schools?
Here’s something most expat guides won’t tell you: Some of the top Paraguayan private schools like Colegio San José, Colegio Internacional, or Santa Ana School offer excellent bilingual education and are significantly cheaper than the international schools.
Why would you consider a Paraguayan private school? You get lower tuition at $3,000 to $6,000 per year versus $8,000 to $15,000, deeper integration into local culture and language, and strong academic programs with good university placement especially for students staying in South America.
Why might you skip them? They’re less aligned with U.S. or European university application processes, have fewer international students where your kids might be the only expat in their grade, and may not offer IB or AP programs.
If you’re moving to Paraguay permanently and want your kids to integrate deeply into Paraguayan society, a top Paraguayan private school is worth considering. If you’re planning to return to the U.S. or Europe, stick with the international options.
The Real Costs: Beyond Tuition
Here’s what most schools won’t tell you upfront. Tuition is just the beginning.
Additional costs you need to budget for include entrance fees which are one-time fees ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 at top schools like ASA and St. Anne’s, separate from tuition and only charged once when your child first enrolls. Annual registration fees are $500 to $1,000 per year per student. Uniforms cost $200 to $400 per year. Transportation, if you’re not driving your kids yourself, runs $100 to $300 per month per child for school buses or private transport. Extracurricular activities including sports teams, music lessons, and field trips can add $500 to $2,000 per year. Books and materials cost $300 to $600 per year. Technology fees are charged by some schools for iPad programs or computer access.
Total realistic annual cost per child at a top international school is $10,000 to $18,000 all-in.
This is still 50% to 70% cheaper than international schools in Dubai, Singapore, or London. But it’s not cheap.
The 2026 Waitlist Reality: When to Apply
The reality of admissions in 2026 has shifted. Due to the massive influx of international families to Asunción over the last year, school spots are more competitive than ever.
Elementary school covering Pre-K through 5th grade now requires you to apply 12 to 14 months in advance. Popular entry points like Pre-K and 1st Grade at ASA or St. Anne’s are often fully booked over a year ahead. If you are moving mid-year, you will almost certainly face a waitlist.
Middle school covering 6th through 8th grade requires applying at least 6 months ahead. While there is more movement here, the top-tier schools are near capacity.
High school covering 9th through 12th grade remains the most flexible tier, with 3 to 4 months’ notice often being sufficient, as students transfer between international hubs more frequently at this age.
Critical 2026 enrollment requirement means most international schools have updated their policies to ensure compliance with local regulations. To secure a firm spot, you are now often required to provide proof of your Paraguay residency application or your temporary Cedula or ID card. Schools are no longer prioritizing families who only hold tourist status, making your residency process the first domino that must fall.
Documents you’ll need include apostilled birth certificate, previous school transcripts that must be officially translated, updated immunization records, passport copies for the whole family, proof of residency status or pending application, and parent financial documentation and entrance exam results.
Pro tip: Start the application process before you move. We can help you initiate your residency remotely, providing the “Proof of Filing” that schools need to move you from the waitlist to the “Accepted” list.
Which School Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Choose ASA if: You want the most “American” experience, you’re planning to send your kids to U.S. universities, you want maximum resources and facilities, and cost is not your primary concern.
Choose St. Anne’s if: You want academic rigor with deeper Paraguayan cultural integration, you appreciate a values-based Catholic education, you’re staying in Paraguay long-term, and you’re comfortable with the February-November school year.
Choose PAIS if: You want an American-style education in a smaller, more community-oriented environment, you live in or near Luque, and you prefer a 50/50 local/international student mix.
Choose ACA if: You’re a Christian family prioritizing faith-based education and want a more affordable option with a solid academic program.
Choose the French or German schools if: You’re French or German and want continuity with your home country’s educational system.
How This Connects to Your Paraguay Residency
If you’re serious about enrolling your kids in school here, you’ll need to sort out your residency situation first. Most international schools require proof of legal residence in Paraguay before they’ll process your enrollment.
Timeline to plan for:
Month 1-2: Submit residency application
Month 2-3: Receive temporary or permanent residency approval
Month 3-4: Apply to schools (they need your cédula or residency documentation)
Month 4-6: Complete school admissions process, pay fees, secure spot
If you’re moving with kids, the residency process should be your first priority, not your last.
We specialize in helping families navigate Paraguay residency quickly and correctly, so you can get your kids enrolled without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic headaches.
Final Thoughts: The School Decision Is Personal
Here’s the thing about choosing a school in Asunción: there’s no universally “best” option. ASA works brilliantly for some families and feels wrong for others. St. Anne’s is perfect for certain kids and a poor fit for others.
The schools listed here are all legitimate, well-established institutions that will provide your kids with a quality education. The question is which one aligns with your family’s priorities, budget, timeline, and long-term plans.
Do your homework by scheduling tours at 2 to 3 schools before making a decision, talking to current parents since schools can usually connect you with parent ambassadors, visiting the neighborhoods where the schools are located, asking about teacher turnover rates and university placement data, and understanding the true all-in costs, not just the advertised tuition.
And most importantly: start the residency and admissions process early. The families who stress out are the ones who show up in Asunción expecting to enroll their kids the next week.
We Can Help And We Have Someone Who’s Been There
At WeParaguay, we don’t just help with residency paperwork. We help families actually settle here successfully.
Esther – Your Family Integration Guide
Esther is a married mother with two children who attend school in Asunción. She’s navigated the entire process firsthand and now helps other families do the same.
What Esther helps with includes school selection and tours based on your family’s specific needs and situation, admissions coordination covering paperwork, deadlines, entrance exams, and document prep, neighborhood guidance on where to live based on which school you choose, family integration by connecting you with other expat families and local activities for kids, and ongoing support since she doesn’t disappear after enrollment but stays with you through the adjustment period.
Plus our core residency services include Fast-track residency options so you can enroll your kids without delays, address setup and legal documentation required for school applications, and banking and financial setup for tuition payments and school fees.
This is the difference between moving to Paraguay and actually thriving here.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +595 992023510
🌐 Website: weparaguay.com
👨👩👧👦 Family Support: Local Concierge Services
Related Resources:
Paraguay Residency for Families– Residency options when moving with children
How to Get a Paraguay Passport – Citizenship timeline for your family
Disclaimer: School information, tuition rates, and policies are subject to change. All tuition figures and fees mentioned are based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Contact schools directly for the most up-to-date information on admissions, costs, and availability. WeParaguay specializes in Paraguay residency services and provides family integration support through our local concierge services. We coordinate with licensed professionals for related services. We are not affiliated with any of the schools mentioned in this guide.