Education systems vary across the globe, shaped by national policies, cultural values, and history. In Paraguay, the school year reflects a carefully structured academic calendar, designed to balance rigour with flexibility. For families, students, and teachers, it sets the rhythm of daily life from February through to November.
Academic calendar
While many countries begin their school year in August or September, Paraguay follows a different pattern. The academic year starts in mid- to late February and ends in late November. Leaving December, January, and part of February as the long summer break.
In 2025, for example, classes began on 24 February, after a two-week preparation period for teachers and school staff. The year will officially conclude on 28 November, giving students around 181 days of classroom instruction.
The school calendar is punctuated by two official holidays. The shorter winter break arrives in early July – 7 to 18 Julyin 2025 – while the long summer holiday stretches across three months at the end of the academic year.
In addition, Paraguayans place strong cultural importance on national holidays, which schools also observe. These include Semana Santa (Holy Week), Labour Day (1 May), Independence Day (14-15 May), and the founding of Asunción (15 August). For students, these dates mean cherished days off; for teachers, they provide short but welcome pauses in an otherwise demanding calendar.
Paraguay is also home to international schools, many of which follow American or European curricula. These institutions often operate on a calendar similar to that of the Northern Hemisphere, beginning in August and ending in June. However, these schools still respect Paraguay’s national holidays, and adapt to local requirements, blending foreign models with Paraguayan traditions.
Inside the school year: Education levels and timetables
Paraguay’s academic system is divided into three levels.
- Early Childhood Education (Educación Inicial): Optional, for children aged three to five.
- Basic Education (Educación Escolar Básica): Compulsory, covering nine grades from ages six to fourteen. It is organised into three cycles: grades 1–3, 4–6, and 7–9.
- Secondary Education (Educación Media): From ages fifteen to seventeen, lasting three years, with students choosing between academic and technical tracks. This prepares them either for university or for entering the workforce.
This clear progression is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC), which sets national standards for all schools, whether public or private.
Most schools in Paraguay run on a single shift, with pupils attending in either the morning, afternoon, or evening. Typical schedules are:
- Morning: 7:00 to 12:00.
- Afternoon: 13:00 to 17:00.
- Evening: 18:00 to 22:00.
Private schools, particularly in urban centres such as Asunción, often provide full-day programmes or double shifts. The MEC also allows local flexibility, meaning schools can adjust hours based on factors such as the heat of the Paraguayan summer or transport needs for students in rural areas.
A school year with options for everyone
For families considering bilingual education, Asunción offers a diverse array of English-speaking schools. Institutions such as the American School of Asunción, Colegio Internacional, and the Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano provide robust English-language curricula that cater to both local and international students. These schools often prepare students for international certifications and university-level English studies, ensuring a global perspective and strong linguistic foundations.
The Paraguayan school year reflects the country’s commitment to education and the value placed on consistency and structure. With a balance between public and private systems, and the presence of international options, families have access to a variety of educational paths.
Ultimately, whether enrolled in state schools or international institutions, Paraguayan students follow an academic journey designed to prepare them for further studies and, eventually, their professional lives.
