Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Education
Video: How does registration with the department of education work?
Is Koa accredited?
Yes. We are accredited with the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) in South Africa.
Do I need to register with the DBE?
The DBE recognises two forms of schooling in South Africa: physical traditional schools and home education. Online schooling, such as Koa Academy, falls under the umbrella of home education because your child is learning from home. Any learner who is under the age of 16 (or up to grade 9) needs to be registered for home learning by the parents directly with the DBE.
How do I register for homeschooling?
Do I have to wait to hear from the DBE before staring with Koa?
Can someone else take care of my kids during the day?
What support does my child need from me at home?
Our parents are committed to providing a safe and supportive home environment for their children to flourish. This includes helping your child with their executive functioning such as time management. We take care of the academics.
Academics and Curriculum
Video: How do you do tests and exams online?
Which curriculum does Koa follow?
Is there a timetable?
We love this… Koa provides every single learner with an individualised timetable that leans into their strengths and suits the family’s rhythms. Some parts of the day are scheduled – such as Pod Connect and live Masterclasses, while the bulk of content is covered independently at the learner’s own pace. Check out our curriculum pages for more details.
How do assessments work?
We are big believers that assessments should be age-appropriate. In grades 4-9 we work on the principles of ‘mastery based learning’. Assessments are ongoing with automatic feedback, and the learner progresses as they master each part of a subject. In grades 10-12 we follow the IEB assessment patterns in preparation for final Grade 12 exams.
Are assessments written online?
All assessments up to the final Grade 12 exams are written online. We use online proctoring so you do not need an in-person invigilator. The final Grade 12 exams are written at a physical IEB school closest to you.
Are there reports and parent meetings?
Yes. We publish DBE aligned reports twice a year in the younger grades and every term in the older grades. Parents are also able to communicate and meet with their Pod Teachers throughout the year at bi-termly parent meetings or when needed.
Can I go back to a traditional physical school?
Absolutely. Reach out to us if you need an updated report or confirmation of enrolment letter. But we hope that you love Koa so much you want to stick around for good!
Fees
Video: What is included in Koa's school fees?
What are your fees?
Grade 4-9: R3470 per learner per month.
Grade 10-12: R4610 per learner per month.
For our full fee breakdown, as well as different payment options, please click here.
What is included in the fee?
What is not included in the fee?
Most importantly, you need to pay for your child’s device and Internet. There is also some basic stationery, optional in-person events and the final Grade 12 IEB exam fee. Find out more on our pricing page.
Are there any discounts?
Yes. For larger families, we offer a 15% discount for the third child onward.
Is there a deposit?
No! Start paying only from your first month enrolled. No unnecessary deposits or tie-in periods.
Koa's Pods
Video: How big are your classes?
How are the pods arranged?
Can my child switch pods?
Meaningful relationships take time to form, so we do encourage families to stick to a Pod for a good length of time. However, when it is beneficial for the child, they can switch to a different Pod.
Can children from a pod meet to work in person?
Yes! We are big fans of getting together face to face. So we encourage lots of ‘work dates’ where children from the same Pod – or even different Pods – work together in the same physical space. This is up to our parents to coordinate.
Can I use an in-person tutor?
Yes! You are welcome to have someone assisting your child in person. This could be a parent, a caregiver or someone you hire as an additional tutor. Let your Pod Teacher know because our Pod Teachers love to team together with external academic support people.
IT Requirements
What are the minimum requirements?
Maintaining your child’s device and IT is essential to ensure that they are set up for online success. The minimum requirements are as follows:
- A computer or laptop (NOT iPad, tablet or phone) for each child (not shared) which is up to date and reliable.
- 4+ GB RAM and reliable processor with a speed of 1.5GHz or more.
- 11.6 inch or larger screen size (14 inch or larger recommended).
- 70GB of data per month per child (uncapped recommended).
- 10+ mbps reliable Internet connection per person connected in the home. Test your actual Internet speed here: www.speedtest.net
- Webcam and microphone for video conferencing (most devices have these built in).
- Web browser (suggested: Google Chrome).
*Learners in grades 10-12 using a Chromebook will need to purchase a Chrome Education Upgrade licence (approx R880) in order for their textbook and exam applications to function. Our IT team will guide you through the purchase and implementation of the licence.
What additional options are most highly recommended?
These items make a big difference in your child’s online experience:
- Backup power supply for WiFi (such as a mini-UPS).
- 21”+ monitor as a second screen.
- Headset or headphones.