Dalena van der Westhuizen, co-founder and MD of BrainAbility, answers a question about transitioning a homeschooled child to a South African boarding school. She provides guidance on academic fit, boarding facilities, social dynamics, and the importance of student input in the decision-making process.
What are the key boarding school criteria to consider when choosing a boarding school after homeschooling your child? – Dalene Goddard
Start by looking at the curriculum – does the school follow a similar academic structure to what your child’s used to?. If your child has studied in a self-paced or discussion-based way, a school with smaller classes and interactive teaching may be a better initial fit than one with a rigid, high-pressure system. When choosing a boarding school, the academic environment is key. For insights into diverse academic structures, consider resources like the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) which offers information on different curricula.
Next, consider the school’s boarding facilities. A good boarding school should offer a structured, yet supportive environment. Ask about mentorship, emotional support and how new pupils are helped to settle in. When choosing a boarding school, consider the support available.
If your child will be staying in over weekends, find out about weekend activities. Some schools keep pupils busy with events and outings, while others allow more free time.
Social dynamics also matter, so ask about the school’s values and how it handles discipline, friendships and homesickness. If possible, visit these schools with your child and talk to current boarders about their experiences.
When you’ve completed your visit to all the prospective schools available to you, be sure to ask your child for their opinion on which one would be the best fit. The most important aspect of transitioning from homeschool to boarding School is student satisfaction.
Extra Information:
When considering a move from homeschooling in South Africa to a traditional school environment, it’s helpful to remember that South Africa’s educational landscape is diverse. It is also important to consider the mental health and well-being of the child during this transition. You can find resources and support on adolescent mental health from organizations like the Child Mind Institute.
Was This Helpful?
Have you had to deal with the boarding school transition? How did it go? What advice do you have for parents choosing a boarding school? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more helpful advice on homeschooling and parenting.