Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Education and Accreditation
Video: How does registration with the department of education work?
As parents, you register with Department of Education if your child is in grade 4 to 9 with us. After that from grade 10 to 12 up you register directly with us and we register them with the IEB on your behalf.
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?
If your child is in Grades 4-9, you will send a once-off application email to the DBE to start home education. Koa will equip you with the relevant information when you apply to us.
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.
What’s the difference between the IEB and CAPS curriculum?
The IEB (Independent Examinations Board) uses the national CAPS curriculum but assesses it independently, with a strong focus on critical thinking, application of knowledge, and real-world problem solving. CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) is the standard South African curriculum set by the Department of Basic Education, and public schools write the DBE’s national exams. While both lead to the National Senior Certificate (NSC), IEB exams are known for their higher order thinking skills and robust assessment standards.
Is the IEB qualification, obtained through an online school, recognised in South Africa and Internationally?
Yes. The IEB grade 12 qualification is nationally recognised through Umalusi and leads to the same National Senior Certificate when completed through a registered online school as in traditional IEB schools. They are also widely accepted internationally, with standards comparable to Cambridge AS and A levels.
Is the grade 12 qualification received after attending an online school recognised by universities?
Yes – but only if the online school is registered with an accredited examinations body, such as the IEB, which has received concessions from Umalusi for candidates from that online school, like Koa Academy. In South Africa, universities recognise qualifications from providers like Koa Academy, which is an IEB-registered school offering the National Senior Certificate. These meet the same academic standards as traditional schools, and are also accepted by universities internationally.
Fees
Video: What is included in Koa's school fees?
Everything. Well, almost everything! We’ve worked hard to make sure that there are as little hidden costs as possible when it comes to your child’s education. So your school fee includes their Koa account, teacher support, academic platforms, textbooks and subscriptions, and everything in between.
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 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 Fees 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.
Academics and Curriculum
Video: How do you do tests and exams online?
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.
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!
Do IEB online school students follow the same curriculum as physical IEB schools?
Yes. IEB online school students, like those at Koa Academy, follow the same curriculum as physical IEB schools. Koa is moderated and students are assessed by the Independent Examinations Board, which is known for its high academic standards and strong focus on critical thinking.
Do IEB online students write the same exams as traditional IEB schools?
Yes. IEB online students, like those at Koa Academy, write the same National Senior Certificate exams as learners in traditional IEB schools. These exams are set and assessed by the Independent Examinations Board, ensuring identical standards and recognition.
Can online school students achieve the same academic outcomes as in-person students?
Yes – if the online school is registered with an accredited examinations board, and delivers a high-quality programme. Students at online schools registered with an accredited body, like Koa Academy, follow the same curriculum and are assessed to the same standards as in-person learners, enabling them to achieve high academic outcomes.
How does invigilation of assessments take place online?
We have a range of different types of assessments for the different grades. In younger years, most assessment is built into the coursework, and focuses on demonstrating understanding rather than just memorisation. In the older grades, we use formal traditional assessments more often, which are conducted using a specialist online proctoring platform. We are also with the students live, invigilating in a video meeting.
Which exams have to be written in person, and where?
Only the final Grade 12 exams are written in person at a convenient IEB school or centre arranged by Koa. This will be within South Africa. Until then, all other assessments are conducted online from home, managed by Koa staff.
Koa's Pods
Video: How big are your classes?
Our classes, called Pods, are limited to 8 in a Pod so that every learner is engaged with properly.
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 IT 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 hardware 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.
