There is no set fee for Path-finder because each student has different needs. There are a range of auxiliary services which are offered which are optional, and costs for home-schooling (Grade 1-9) are different to Distance Learning (Grade 10-12).

Home-schooling is a legal and legitimate way of educating your child. The Education Act governs certain aspects of South African home education, and you are required to register with the Department of Basic Education. The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) is proposing changes to the existing legislation, but these changes will only come into effect once it has been endorsed by parliament, which could take some time. Until then, we operate within the existing legal framework.

Yes. In South Africa, Umalusi is the only body authorized to issue a National Senior Certificate (NSC or Matric), and Umalusi does this through THREE accredited bodies viz. the National Department of Education (for government schools), the IEB (for private schools) and SACAI (for private schools and Distance Education). Path-finder registers its students through SACAI from Grade 10 to Grade 12, and SACAI examinations are written like any other examinations at the end of the year. For more information on SACAI, contact us directly or have a look at their website here.

Parents can sign up with online education providers as Distance Education providers, and this is the equivalent of attending school except lessons are delivered online as either live lessons or recorded lessons. In such cases, the online provider decides the content of the lessons and structures the learning programme. True Distance Education and home-schooling happens when the student manages their own programme and seeks help sporadically for certain sections or concepts from tutors (either contact or online). 

The guidelines laid down by the Education Act and Umalusi limit the number of hours a child may have to assist them and that “too many hours” constitutes being at “school” in the eyes of the education authorities in South Africa.

Path-finder is not an online school – we provide the materials necessary to advance, as well as a bespoke programme which caters to the needs of each student.

Yes. As long as the proviso mentioned in the above question is adhered to, tutors may be engaged by parents. Path-finder has a broad network of qualified and experienced tutors it can recommend, but does not enter into arrangements with tutors directly; parents commission tutors in a separate capacity through indiviudals or tutopring companies. Ask us to assist you here.

The guidelines laid down by the Education Act and Umalusi limit the number of hours a child may have to assist them and that “too many hours” constitutes being at “school” in the eyes of the education authorities in South Africa.

Path-finder is not an online school – we provide the materials necessary to advance, as well as a bespoke programme which caters to the needs of each student.

Currently, Path-finder offers the standard CAPS South African Matric, which means successful candidates will be issued a certificate indistinguishable from those issued to government or private schools. SACAI, the examination board, has accreditation with Umalusi and final results are available on the Higher Education Database like any ordinary school. Currently, SACAI is exploring the possibility of international accreditation for Matric, but for now equivalency procedures would have to be followed.

The guidelines laid down by the Education Act and Umalusi limit the number of hours a child may have to assist them and that “too many hours” constitutes being at “school” in the eyes of the education authorities in South Africa.

Path-finder is not an online school – we provide the materials necessary to advance, as well as a bespoke programme which caters to the needs of each student.

Each child is different, and has different needs that are not always recognized in big classes as found in schools. 

• Children and young people who want to work at their own rate, whether that is fast or slow, can decide their own tempo.
• Young people who have had enough of the conformity of schools and its rules and regulations flourish in Distance Education.
• Young people who suffer from crippling anxiety (social, academic or emotional) cope better in distance learning programmes.
• Children and young people who do not “fit the mold” and do not fit comfortably in mainstream environments benefit from the freedom distance learning offers.

The guidelines laid down by the Education Act and Umalusi limit the number of hours a child may have to assist them and that “too many hours” constitutes being at “school” in the eyes of the education authorities in South Africa.

Path-finder is not an online school – we provide the materials necessary to advance, as well as a bespoke programme which caters to the needs of each student.

Path-finder issues a report every term, as well as a promotion report at the end of the year. This includes results for every single assessment, as well as a consolidated report.

The impact of COVID simply accelerated a process that was already underway. Once certain children saw the benefit of learning at home, the rise has been steady. In addition, many parents are questioning the values and attitudes that are sometimes prevalent in  mainstream environments with regard to religious, social, and political issues and are looking for alternatives through distance learning. Further, the perceived erosion of discipline in some mainstream environments is affecting the decisions of some parents and students. Of course, distance learning is less expensive in many ways, and offers more independence in approach and application which appeals to many. For every child out there, there is a different reason why they want to “do school differently.”

This is perfectly understandable. The vast majority of adults understand school because they went there themselves, and home-schooling and Distance Learning have unfair stigmas attached to them. Call Path-finder and come see us, and make an informed decision.

There are obvious things like homework, uniform, sports and cultural programmes that will be missed. In our experience, parents ensure that their children are still enrolled for sport or other activities in private clubs. The only difference is that you choose the level of involvement. It is also our experience that our students remain friends with those they choose to. Socially, there are lots of home-school and Distance Learning groups which encourage shared activities. Obviously, it’s hard for some students to give up certain aspects of school, but before any decision is made, they need to be sure that the pros outweigh the cons.

There are obvious things like homework, uniform, sports and cultural programmes that will be missed. In our experience, parents ensure that their children are still enrolled for sport or other activities in private clubs. The only difference is that you choose the level of involvement. It is also our experience that our students remain friends with those they choose to. Socially, there are lots of home-school and Distance Learning groups which encourage shared activities. Obviously, it’s hard for some students to give up certain aspects of school, but before any decision is made, they need to be sure that the pros outweigh the cons.

Home-schooling gives parents and children the time and freedom to indulge in inquiry, and to develop critical thinking skills. Of course, tests, assessments and examinations are important but they are not everything.

Home-schooling allows children to experience a range of learning methodologies beyond academic learning such as tactile, learning outdoors, field trips to cultural and other sites, as well as utilizing practical application of what has been learned beyond the home.

Home-schooling gives parents complete control, and they are not obliged to take on political, religious or moral beliefs outside of their own.