How to choose the right online high school for your child

Last updated on 28th July, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Online schooling is still a fairly novel offering in South Africa, so it’s natural that you may feel daunted by pressure to choose an online school perfect for your tween. We talked with an expert to get the inside scoop on online schooling, and what you need to know before enrolling your child.

Reading time: 4 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• What you should consider when choosing an online school.
• What your child might need in order to excel.
• How the Social and Emotional Learning programme as part of your Online Education by Boston benefit can help your child receive a well-rounded online education.

Considering enrolling your child in an online high school? There are many benefits that make it a compelling choice, but knowing where to start can be daunting. We spoke to education specialist, author, and consultant Landa Mabenge from Landa Mabenge Consulting to help shed some light.

Accreditation is crucial

For Mabenge, the most important thing is to look out for appropriate accreditation. “It is imperative for parents to vet an online high school to ensure that it holds accreditation from recognised bodies,” he says. “Reputable online schools should be accredited by bodies like the Department of Basic Education (DBE), or the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).”

Help ensure your child has a safe online learning experience with these tips.

Type of curriculum

Mabenge suggests investigating the type of curriculum offered by the online high school, like CAPS (which is the DBE National curriculum) or, if it’s internationally recognised, like Cambridge or Pearson.

Mode of learning

This can either be live or pre-recorded. “Some learners may require engaged, structured discussion set-ups,” says Mabenge, “while others may perform better with individualised set-ups.”

Technological platforms

“The learner management system (LMS) should support learning and not merely be set for conference-like learning,” he says. “Learners should be able to engage with each other, as this is an important element of high school.”

With the Social and Emotional Learning programme offered by Online Education by Boston, your high schooler can get practice in self-awareness, decision-making, empathy-demanding situations and much more.

The teachers

A well-rounded school experience is beneficial to your teen, so how will this translate into the online environment? The experience of the teachers, as well as whether the online school offers extracurricular activities and clubs, are important considerations to ensure your child receives a well-rounded high school experience.

Online high school fee structure

The pricing of the school: “The school must offer value for money,” says Mabenge, “and a key indicator of this would be the type of curriculum it offers. It is also important for parents to examine the types and range of services, support and resources the school offers in relation to the fees it charges.”

Is online high school right for your child?

A learner would need to be comfortable with technology, as all materials and resources would be accessed through a LMS. “It’s very important, as a lack of technological acumen could impede a learner’s journey,” says Mabenge. “This would also mean that as a parent, you would need to be in a position to provide the basics for your child to be able to do this, including WiFi or data.”

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Mabenge also suggests considering:

• A dedicated room or space for learning, with structured hours and routine.
• Investment in books, both prescribed and for leisure.
• Social interaction: “It’s important for learners to have access to social spaces, as these inform a big part of their evolution and learning,” says Mabenge. “No one learns in a vacuum. Look out for online schools that offer learners opportunities for occasional physical social interaction. This can be in the form of fun days, sports days and family days.”

Remember that as a Reality Club, Core or Plus member, or client with Wealth Bonus Lifestyle or Wealth Bonus Lifestyle for Sanlam Corporate benefits, you have access to discounted Cambridge homeschooling or free supplementary CAPS support, plus, a free Social and Emotional learning platform, thanks to your Online Education by Boston benefit.