Understanding home education legislation, parental responsibilities, curriculum choices and the educational pathways available through Kairos Academy SA.
Home education is a legally recognised educational option in South Africa, giving families the opportunity to pursue an education suited to their children’s individual needs, abilities and circumstances.
At Kairos Academy SA, we believe that parents should be empowered to make informed educational decisions while understanding the responsibilities that accompany their choices.
Whether your family follows a flexible, parent-directed approach or explores a structured online learning option, this guide will help you understand the relevant legal considerations and where to find further support.
1. Is homeschooling legal in South Africa?
Yes. Home education is recognised under South African law.
The primary legislation governing compulsory school attendance and home education is the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, as amended by the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act 32 of 2024.
The relevant BELA amendments came into effect on 24 December 2024.
South African legislation recognises home education as an alternative to school attendance, subject to the applicable registration, educational and assessment requirements.
The Department of Basic Education also provides policies, application forms and implementation guidance.
2. When must children be registered for home education?
Under Section 3 of the South African Schools Act, compulsory school attendance begins in Grade R, in accordance with the statutory age requirements, and continues until the end of the school year in which the learner turns 15 or completes Grade 9, whichever occurs first.
Parents choosing home education during the compulsory school-going period must apply to the Head of their Provincial Education Department for registration under Section 51.
Important considerations include:
- Parents must submit an application for home education registration.
- The proposed educational programme must meet the requirements of Section 51.
- If the department does not respond within 60 days of receiving an application, Section 51(6) provides for deemed approval, provided the parent can produce proof that the application was submitted.
- Parents must notify the department of their intention to continue home education at the relevant phase transitions.
Once a learner has reached the age of 15 or completed Grade 9, whichever occurs first, registration under Section 51 is no longer required for continued home education.
Registration with a curriculum provider, online platform or international school does not automatically replace the registration required under South African home education law.
View the Department of Basic Education’s Home Education Registration Information.
3. Must homeschooling families follow CAPS?
This is one of the questions families frequently ask.
The law does not expressly require every home-educating family to purchase CAPS textbooks or follow the same teaching methods and timetable as a public school.
Section 51 requires the proposed home education programme to be appropriate for the learner’s age, grade level and ability, and to predominantly cover content and skills at least comparable to the relevant national curriculum.
This allows families to explore different educational approaches and resources, including international curricula, classical education, structured programmes and individualised learning.
However, families must be able to demonstrate that their educational programme meets the applicable learning expectations.
At Kairos, we encourage parents to select their curriculum intentionally, balancing educational flexibility with strong academic foundations and accountability.
4. What are parents responsible for?
Parents directing their children’s home education remain responsible for implementing the educational programme and monitoring academic progress.
Important responsibilities include providing appropriate learning resources, maintaining records, monitoring progress and arranging the assessments required by law.
Useful academic records may include:
- Educational plans and curriculum information.
- Attendance and learning activity records.
- Examples of completed work and portfolios.
- Assessment results and progress reports.
- Records of academic achievements and developmental milestones.
Good recordkeeping also provides a clearer picture of a child’s progress and helps families plan the years ahead.
What assessments are required?
Section 51 provides for assessment by a competent assessor at the end of the applicable educational phases during the compulsory attendance period.
| Educational phase | Grades |
|---|---|
| Foundation Phase | Grade R–3 |
| Intermediate Phase | Grades 4–6 |
| Senior Phase | Grades 7–9 |
The required phase-end assessment must be conducted against an appropriate standard, and the signed report must be submitted to the provincial department where applicable.
The Department of Basic Education’s March 2026 guidance confirms that using an independent curriculum provider does not, by itself, replace the requirement for a competent assessor.
Assessment is also a valuable educational tool, helping families recognise progress, identify learning gaps and prepare for the next stage of their child’s development.
5. Understanding home education and online learning
Digital learning platforms and international online schools offer families additional educational opportunities. However, it is important to understand the distinction between parent-directed home education and full-time online schooling.
Under South African law, home education is provided under the direction of the parent, primarily in the learner’s home. Parents may obtain tutoring, online resources and other educational support while retaining responsibility for implementing the programme.
The Department of Basic Education’s June 2025 implementation guidelines distinguish this arrangement from enrolling a learner full-time in an online school that assumes responsibility for delivering their education.
The distinction is particularly relevant for families considering structured online programmes.
The legal requirements depend on the actual educational arrangement, not simply on whether a learner studies from home or uses an online learning platform.
We encourage families to understand the responsibilities of the parent, curriculum provider and school of record before selecting an educational pathway.
6. Understanding the educational pathways offered through Kairos
Kairos Academy SA offers educational guidance and support through partnerships with American schools.
Families can explore different arrangements according to their children’s academic needs, preferred learning approach and future aspirations.
HomeLife Academy – Flexible American High School Diploma pathway
Our established partnership with HomeLife Academy (HLA) supports families who prefer a flexible, parent-directed educational approach.
HomeLife Academy serves as the American school of record, maintains official academic records and issues the diploma when the applicable graduation requirements are fulfilled.
Families can select appropriate learning resources while working within HLA’s academic credit and graduation framework.
Kairos provides South African-context educational guidance, planning and optional recordkeeping support.
Explore the American High School Diploma Pathway.
Kairos Online – Highlands Prep Academy
Kairos Online is our additional structured online learning pathway offered in collaboration with Highlands Prep Academy.
Highlands Prep Academy operates as a Tennessee Category IV non-public school, providing an American educational framework with curriculum and school-of-record services.
The programme combines flexible online learning with academic structure, progress monitoring and grading support.
Under its published parent-directed model, parents remain the primary educators and teachers of record, while grading specialists assist with the assessment and evaluation of submitted work.
Highlands Prep Academy offers official academic transcripts and an American High School Diploma for students who fulfil its applicable requirements.
This option is intended for families seeking greater curriculum structure and administrative support while remaining actively involved in their children’s education.
Kairos Online+ – Highlands Glen Academy
Kairos Online+ provides access to an accredited online school pathway through Highlands Glen Academy.
Highlands Glen Academy is an American private school accredited through Accreditation International (Ai), an accrediting organisation recognised by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).
Unlike the parent-directed Highlands Prep Academy model, Highlands Glen Academy describes a teacher-supported online education programme, where qualified teachers provide instruction, feedback and academic support.
The school offers structured online courses, flexible scheduling and official school records within its accredited educational framework.
This option may appeal to families seeking more direct academic oversight and a school-led learning arrangement.
Because Kairos Online+ operates through a different educational model, families must establish which South African legal and registration requirements apply to their particular circumstances.
Choosing the appropriate pathway
Although these offerings provide different levels of educational structure and support, each has its own school-of-record arrangements, curriculum requirements and graduation conditions.
Before enrolling, families should understand:
- Which institution will maintain and issue official academic records.
- Who is responsible for teaching, supervision and assessment.
- What graduation or programme-completion requirements apply.
- What South African legal requirements apply to the arrangement.
- How the chosen pathway supports the student’s future educational goals.
Kairos Online and Kairos Online+ are additional educational options alongside our established Kairos Flex (through HLA) pathway.
Our aim is to provide families with meaningful choices and sufficient information to select an appropriate educational approach.
7. Academic integrity and responsible recordkeeping
At Kairos Academy SA, we value academic excellence, honesty, responsibility and integrity.
Regardless of the educational pathway selected, academic records should accurately reflect the student’s courses, progress, assessments and achievements.
Each school of record has its own academic policies and administrative requirements.
Reliable records support academic continuity, graduation and future educational opportunities.
We encourage families to familiarise themselves with our Code of Ethics and the requirements of their chosen school of record.
8. Planning for tertiary education
Completing an American High School Diploma is an important milestone, but qualification recognition and tertiary admission involve additional considerations.
Rather than repeating those requirements here, we have prepared dedicated resources for families planning beyond Grade 12.
American High School Diploma: Tertiary Study Options
This provides a parent-friendly overview of further study opportunities in South Africa and internationally.
SAQA vs USAf: AHSD Recognition & University Admission
Our separate recognition and admission guide explains qualification evaluation, matriculation exemption and university admission processes, including the distinctions relevant to different American schools of record.
SAQA vs USAf: American High School Diploma Recognition & University Admission – Kairos Academy SA
9. Legal support for homeschooling families
We encourage families to remain informed and seek appropriate professional guidance when interpreting educational legislation.
The Pestalozzi Trust is a South African organisation providing legal information and support to home education families.
Kairos families may qualify for a 10% membership discount through our relationship with the Trust, subject to its current membership arrangements.
For official guidance, families may also consult the Department of Basic Education’s Home Education resources.
Moving forward with confidence
We believe that education should equip young people not only with academic knowledge, but also with character, responsibility and the confidence to pursue meaningful opportunities.
Whether your family chooses a flexible parent-directed approach or a more structured online option, informed planning remains essential.
At Kairos Academy SA, we look forward to supporting families as they explore appropriate educational pathways and prepare for the years ahead.
Our aim is to help each family make thoughtful decisions that support their children’s individual development, academic growth and future aspirations.
Information reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general educational information and does not constitute individual legal advice. Families should confirm current legal requirements, school-of-record arrangements and institutional requirements before enrolling.
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