Private education, both brick and mortar, and online, can certainly have its advantages, but it’s important to note that sending your kids to private school is not the sole determinant of their success.
My son passed his advanced Computer Engineering degree with distinction (has a job too!), and my daughter has conditional acceptances for medicine, biomedical engineering, computer engineering and veterinary sciences. They both attended a public school in Verulam, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
There are various factors that contribute to a child’s development and success, regardless of the type of school they attend. Here are some reasons why my kids turned out just fine without attending private schools in South Africa.
Individual abilities and characteristics
Every child is unique and possesses their own set of skills, talents, and capabilities. Regardless of their educational environment, their individual traits play a significant role in their success. A determined child will find a way to excell academically despite the challenges expereinced.
Parental involvement
The active involvement of parents in their children’s education and overall upbringing can greatly impact their kid’s development. Ensuring they receive proper guidance, support, positive home environment and opportunities for growth can help them succeed, irrespective of their school setting.
Private school quality of education
While private schools may offer certain advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that there are public schools that also provide a high-quality education. Some public schools strive to maintain academic standards and offer a variety of extracurricular activities.
Diverse social interactions
Attending a public school provides children with the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Such interactions foster social skills, tolerance, and an understanding of different perspectives, which are valuable for personal and professional success.
Private school extracurricular activities
Participation in extracurricular activities, available to a lesser in public than in private schools, helps children expand their interests, develop leadership skills, and build friendships. These experiences contribute to their holistic growth and can positively impact their future success. However, in private schools, a few kids participate in expensive sports that ultimately get subsidised by the parents of the kids that do not participate in these sporting activities.
University preferential entrance
South African universities give first preference to kids who completed studies at public schools (not just grade 11 and grade 12) when they decide on who to take in. Parents of private school kids inadvertently get caught in a never ending cycle of perpetual high fees.
Private schools have rich kid problems
Private schools have rich kid problems – the same issues as in public schools but glorified by money – more expensive drugs, greater egos leading to greater bullying, more intense victimisation, more acute emotional trauma and lastly, the one that is distinct from public schools: keeping up with the Joneses!
Dubious accreditation at private schools
Search “fake private schools in South Africa” and be surprised, especially about the number of online fake schools that are mushrooming. Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard yourself. You need to be familiar with the accreditation providers.
There are two main accreditation providers for private schools in South Africa:
1. Umalusi Council: This is the official quality assurance body for general and further education and training in South Africa. It accredits all private schools, both primary and secondary, except for those following international curricula. You can verify your child’s school’s accreditation by following these steps:
- Visit the Umalusi website: https://www.umalusi.org.za/
- Click on the “Schools” tab.
- Select “Accredited Private Education Institutions.”
- Use the search filters to find your child’s school by name, province, or type of provider.
- If your child’s school appears on the list, it means it is accredited by Umalusi.
2. Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA): This is a voluntary membership association for independent schools in South Africa. While accreditation by ISASA is not mandatory, many schools choose to undergo it to demonstrate their commitment to high standards of education. To verify if your child’s school is accredited by ISASA, you can:
- Visit the ISASA website: https://www.isasa.org/
- Click on the “Schools” tab.
- Browse the list of member schools.
- If your child’s school is listed, it means it is accredited by ISASA.
Additional ways to verify your child’s school’s accreditation:
- Contact the school directly and ask them about their accreditation status.
- Check the school’s website or prospectus, which may mention their accreditation.
- Talk to other parents at the school.
It’s important to note that accreditation is just one factor to consider when choosing a school for your child. You should also research the school’s curriculum, teaching philosophy, and academic performance before making a decision.
Did I regret not sending my kids to private school?
Yes, many times. We had the choice and chose public schools. Toilets for my daughter in were atrocious, and are locked during exams. Loadshedding and water disruptions made the experience horrendous too. The teachers, did put in the additional hours, for grade 12s but they also over played their role. Then there was the elephant in the room – school management politics. The principal and the SGB (school governing body) members were in cahoots with each other and there was a clear power play, thus many teachers and parents felt intimidated.
But, there are no shortages of bad stories emanating from private schools too.
The biggest challenge for parents is to find a public school, that is good enough, and close to home too. This valuable information is only available via the grapevine of parents who have sent their kids to public school. So go on, and start making friends with your local community and gather as much intelligence as possible.
How much will you potentially save?
Private school fees are on average R100 000 per year, per child. Public school fees ranges can be as high as R30 000 per year, per child. The school fees are neglible, if your kid is a top student. The cumulative savings for two children over 12 years, could thus be well over two million rands!
That is proper money for a middle income family trying to make ends meet!
Are education investment plans needed?
Is investing for your child’s education at school needed, and if so – how much is required and when should one start? If becomes clear from what I have written thus far, that the game plan is as important as the investment decision and that is why you reach out to financial planners and advisers like myself, Jitesh Jairam.
Saving costs is as as important as in investing your post tax income.
That is why you should talk to a professional who is not just going to sell you a product but will develop your game plan or financial plan first!
Contact me on 060 070 3108 or email me at [email protected].
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that every child’s journey is unique, and while private school can provide certain advantages, success is not solely determined by the type of education they receive. Ultimately, a supportive and nurturing environment, along with a focus on personal growth, learning, and development, are essential factors in your child’s overall success.