Home education is one of the fastest-growing forms of education in the world. Parents choose home education because they believe it offers a safer, more values-aligned, flexible, and individually responsive learning environment than schools can provide. National research in South Africa confirms this: many parents move to home education because schools are not meeting their children’s developmental, emotional, and learning needs, while home education allows for a more nurturing and child-centred approach. 

Because home education is new to many families, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin. This is where SAHomeschoolers helps parents move forward with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements

Parents often ask:

• Do we have to register?
• Which curriculum can we choose?
• Can our child return to school later?
• Do we need to do assessments?

The correct approach depends on your family’s unique circumstances.

For peace of mind, you can book a personal online consultation with SAHomeschoolers — designed by trusted homeschool leaders to help you make decisions that align with your convictions and situation.

➡️ Book your consultation:
https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/various-resources/home-education-consultation-services/product/215-smart-start-homeschool-consultation.html

Step 2: Choose a Learning Approach and Curriculum

Home education is highly flexible. There is no one “right” curriculum — only what fits your child and your family life.

Learn more about different approaches:
https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/about-us/various-articles/homeschool-abc/384-home-education-approach.html

Explore which approach may suit your family best:

• https://www.homeschool.com/articles/homeschool-styles-quiz#/questions/1780552
• https://www.homeschool.com/online-quiz-best-fit-homeschool-curriculum-finder 

Step 3: Planning for Matric

Most home learners pursue a matric or equivalent to access tertiary studies or work in the formal sector. There are several matric pathways available to homeschoolers.

Learn more here:

https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/matric/matric-overview.html 

Step 4: Assessment

If your curriculum is not necessarily comparable to CAPS, but you want to independently check your child’s progress, less intense and more curriculum-independent assessments are available.

➡️ Order curriculum-independent assessments:

https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/support-topmenu/assessment.html 

If you are registered with the provincial department and want assurance that your child can easily return to school, you can submit formal end-of-phase assessment report (Grades 3, 6, and 9) signed by a competent assessor, as required by Section 51(2)(b)(iv) of the BELA Act.

➡️ Order statutory end-of-phase assessments:

https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/various-resources/end-of-phase-assessments.html 

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