Welcome to Koa Academy

The online IEB school with small classes for high engagement for Grades 4 – 12.
Two siblings looking at something on a laptop together

Why the name Koa?

The wood of a Koa tree is both flexible and strong. That’s how we’ve built our online school. We give families true flexibility and learning is individualised, while at the same time being robust and structured.

Our Pods are highly engaging, which lets us focus on a robust academic education as well as socio-emotional development. Learners work at their own pace with constant connection to peers and a team of qualified and experienced teachers.

Our Pods

Each learner is placed into a Pod of 8. That’s right – 8. We’ve always wanted smaller classes, and now we have them! Our virtual classes are highly engaging and accountable, where everyone has an opportunity to be seen and heard. Each Pod has a dedicated Pod Teacher who meets with them regularly throughout the week, providing focused support.
Boy with headphones attending an online meeting

Our Approach

At Koa Academy, meaningful engagement between teachers and students is at the heart of everything we do. Our school is intentionally designed around best educational practices to maximise the benefits of online learning for each student. Our approach is designed to be:

Icon of 4 arrows pointing to a person

Engaging

We believe that learning happens best in real community. People are connected in meaningful ways to others and their work. At Koa, no one is just a number.
Icon of 3 people and a check mark in a hand

Accountable

With great power comes great responsibility. We know that accountability is key, so we have tools and rhythms which hold everyone accountable – no more guessing!
Icon which is half a lightbulb and half paper and blocks and cogs

Real-World Relevant

The world is changing faster than ever! So rather than simply presenting ‘traditional school on a screen’, we have re-designed the online learning experience to reflect real life and develop individuals who are strong and adaptable, ready for the future world of work.

Our Values

At Koa, these are the values that guide how we teach, learn, and support each other.

Girl attending online meeting

We are tech savvy.

We show up - ready to learn.

From navigating digital tools to joining class prepared and with cameras on, our students build the habits that help them thrive in online school and beyond. Being tech-savvy isn’t just about skills – it’s about showing up, staying engaged, and using technology purposefully.

Girl with headphones talking

We are engaging.

We Communicate - early and often.

Students thrive when they’re actively involved. In our small Pods, they participate, share ideas, and build real skills through conversation, collaboration, and connection. Teachers, parents, and students all play a part in keeping communication open, proactive, and meaningful.

Male teacher having a one-on-one online meeting with a learner

We are responsible.

We track progress - together.

Students, parents, and teachers each play a part in supporting consistent growth. Our student Dashboards give clear insight into progress, while students learn to take ownership and parents stay informed every step of the way. Responsibility is shared – so every child feels supported, confident, and set up for success.

More about Koa

Learn more about Koa Academy by exploring the links below. If you have any questions or would like to chat to someone from our team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is your child’s school preparing them for the future?
Use our Future-Ready Skills Tool to find out - and get actionable insights to support their growth.
Is your child’s school preparing them for the future?
Use our Future-Ready Skills Tool to find out - and get actionable insights to support their growth.

About Faure

Faure is the Head of Merchandising, Promotions, & Catalogue at Takealot. He is responsible for onsite marketing, product merchandising, and promotional campaigns, ensuring customers have a seamless and engaging shopping experience. He has been at Takealot for over six years, helping bring e-commerce to millions of South Africans.

Before that, he worked at a tech start-up developing proof-of-concept grocery shopping and payment apps and began his career as an investment analyst, gaining a strong foundation in business understanding and financial modelling.

About Sandras

Sandras is the founder and CEO of Pranary. With his expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, and tech education, he helps business leaders unlock new potential with AI. He is building a pan-African institute for practical tech and business education.

With global experience across 50+ countries, he has worked with entrepreneurs, led gender-lens investing initiatives, and lectured at top universities. Sandras has also shared stages with tech leaders, including Facebook and Asana co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and YouTube co-founder Steve Chen.

About Sasha

Sasha Knott, an EY winning woman, is the Global CEO of Crystal AI and the CEO of Job Crystal. A visionary in the recruitment space, she is revolutionising hiring by integrating AI and technology to make recruitment faster, smarter and more effective. She co-founded Job Crystal to help businesses find top talent efficiently and led the development of Crystal AI, an AI-driven recruiter transforming the hiring landscape.

About Majozi

Majozi, Koa’s Head of Arts and Culture, is an award-winning South African musician. He rose to prominence in 2013 when he released his first EP, ‘Marvelous Light’. The track went to number 9 on the South African iTunes chart and resulted in him being signed with Universal Music South Africa. He has worked with internationally acclaimed artists such as The Lumineers and Mango Groove.