For people looking for bilingual schooling, Asunción offers diverse opportunities for English language education, catering to both local and foreign families who wish to provide their children with a global worldview and strong linguistic foundations. From renowned international English schools to university-level degrees, a range of options exists to support English proficiency and cultural immersion. Those schools all respect rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MIC).
English language middle schools
In Asunción, several English schools provide education in the language of Shakespeare. The establishment range from fully bilingual programmes to those following international curricula. These institutions often aim to prepare students for higher education abroad or careers in a globalised world.
Most famously, the American School of Asunción (ASA) functions as a bilingual learning community that offers an early childhood through college-preparatory programme. It adheres to the highest standards of educational excellence from both the United States and Paraguay. This allows students to develop multilingual fluency in English and Spanish, ultimately earning both a Paraguayan and a U.S. Diploma upon graduation.
Similarly, Colegio Internacional offers an academic curriculum with an intensive English language study. Students progressively achieve B1 (intermediate) and B2 (upper-intermediate) levels by the end of their cycles, preparing them for international certifications such as Cambridge PET, First Certificate Exam, and TOEFL. The school hosts a weekly ‘Debate Club’ and, uniquely, as a member of the Paraguay-Kansas Committee, it annually welcomes teachers from the USA, enriching its educational environment.
Furthermore, Colegio Privado del Sol implements a bilingual programme, enabling students to acquire English much like their mother tongue. This bilingual method first fosters basic communicative skills (BICS) before advancing to higher academic competencies (CALP). English instruction progresses steadily up to the third year, incorporating interdisciplinary projects and subjects taught in English, aiming for student mastery of the language in both social and academic settings according to the CEFR.
To assess their progress, students undertake Trinity College London examinations in the 6th and 9th grades and in the third year. Furthermore, students in the last years get the opportunity to pursue a challenging Dual Program, extending their language proficiency.
Preparing students for university studies
Additionally, Lumen School, a secular institution, primarily prepares its students for university studies, whether in Paraguay or an English-speaking country, upon completion of their basic and secondary education cycles. It teaches broader cultural understanding by exposing students to other languages and cultures through various resources and interactions, without neglecting the study of their own language and culture.
The CCPA is an English school that declares its commitment to 100% bilingual education. It operates as a secular, non-profit entity upholding high educational standards and promoting tolerance and respect for ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. It places significant emphasis on English language instruction and American culture within an English/Spanish bilingual environment, focusing clearly on educational quality.
The institution is supported by the historical tradition of the Paraguayan-American Cultural Centre (CCPA), which stresses biculturalism while celebrating national roots. Its guiding principles include permanent reflection, critical thinking, promotion of creativity, and education in universal values.
Then, San Ignacio de Loyola School offers an interesting educational model, featuring an excellent bilingual education with a technical-scientific emphasis. Approved by the Ministry of Education for all academic levels, its bilingual curricular plan ensures students naturally and progressively incorporate the English language.
With opportunities to apply for international Cambridge University examinations and obtain certifications at the end of each cycle. Its High School programmes provide theoretical, practical, and ethical training with an emphasis on Natural Sciences, Chemistry, and Biology, incorporating research and creative scientific projects, alongside workshops in robotics and video editing, and opportunities for Microsoft Office Specialist certifications.
Other highly acclaimed schools, such as Las Almenas, Campo Alto School, Saint Anne’s, and Las Teresas, provide outstanding academic programmes that typically include substantial English language instruction as a core part of their curriculum.
University-level English studies
For individuals aspiring to pursue higher education with a focus on the English language, there are English schools tailor-made for that. The Higher Institute of Languages (Instituto Superior de Lenguas) at the National University of Asunción (Universidad Nacional de Asunción) offers a rigorous Bachelor’s degree in English Language. This four-year, in-person programme prepares graduates for diverse professional roles.
They acquire the skills to teach English across initial, secondary, technical, and university levels, translate proficiently between English and Spanish, and responsibly act as cultural agents. The curriculum includes intensive study of linguistics, literature, translation, and pedagogy, ensuring a high level of linguistic and professional competence.
A wide array of English-speaking schools
Asunción truly offers a wide and diverse array of English schools, catering to a broad spectrum of educational needs and aspirations. From highly structured international schools providing full curricula in English, to advanced university degrees in English language, it presents varied opportunities for linguistic and academic development. These opportunities showcase a growing commitment to global education within Paraguay.
For those who are looking for a school in another language than English, they can learn more about the Colegio Alemán Concordia, which offers services in German and Spanish.
