With the rise of online schooling in South Africa, you now have a third option alongside "Government" and "Private” institutions. But many parents question: 

Is online school right for my child?

Every child is unique. The environment that makes one child soar effortlessly might drag another one down. At Teneo School, we believe in being honest about who fits our model, and who doesn’t. 

This guide will help you evaluate if your family is ready for the switch.

The five types of learners who thrive online

Over the years, we have seen specific personality types flourish in our environment:

1. The "quiet achiever" (introverts): Large, noisy classrooms can be exhausting for introverts. They spend so much energy navigating the social chaos that they have little left for learning. Online, the noise is gone. They can ask questions via chat without fear of embarrassment. We often see their grades skyrocket simply because they are calm.

2. The high-performance athlete/artist: If your child plays provincial sport or performs professionally, traditional school is a nightmare of missed classes and angry teachers. Online school offers asynchronous flexibility. Learners can practise in the morning and watch their lessons in the evening. School fits around their life – not the other way around.

3. The "gifted" learner: Bright learners often get bored waiting for the teacher to explain a concept to the slowest learner in the class. Online school allows them to move at a brisker pace and access extension materials if they want to work ahead. 

4. The child with health or anxiety challenges: For children with chronic illness, severe allergies, or crippling social anxiety, the physical school building is a hazard. Home is a safe harbour, and online school allows them to continue their education without compromising their health or wellbeing. 

5. The digital native: Some kids just "get" technology. They prefer typing to writing – they learn better from a video than from a blackboard. These children naturally adapt to the online ecosystem, and are great candidates for online learning environments.

Honest "red flags": When it might not work

We want your child to succeed, even if that means advising you to stay in a physical school. Online school might be a struggle for your child if any of the following apply:

• High requirement of supervision: If you have a Grade 8 learner who refuses to work, and you leave them home alone for 10 hours a day with an internet connection, they will play games instead of working.

• Social reliance: If your child's entire happiness depends on physically running around a playground with 500 other kids, the adjustment to virtual socialising can be hard (though not impossible).

• Technical barriers: If you live in an area with unstable electricity and no backup power, or a very poor internet signal, the frustration will outweigh the benefits.

The parent's role: Are you ready?

Choosing a school format is not just about your child, it’s also about what works best for you, your budget and your family as a whole. And remember, online schooling requires a bit of effort on your part, too.

• Are you ready to be involved? Especially in primary school, you need to be the "Learning Coach” for your child to ensure they remain engaged and logged on during school hours. 

• Are you ready to trust? Just like with any new, unfamiliar process – you have to have trust to let it work. You won't be dropping them at a gate for the day, you'll be watching them learn from your lounge.

The online school checklist

Before you apply to an online school, make sure you can tick off these requirements:

• Connectivity: Do we have uncapped Fibre or LTE (10Mbps+)?

• Hardware: Does the child have their own dedicated laptop/PC? (Sharing with Mom doesn't work).

• Space: Is there a quiet corner or desk where they can set up a permanent "school station"?

• Mindset: Is my child willing to try something new?

Is online school good for adhd? 

Having children with diverse learning needs like ADHD can often be a deterrent for many parents when considering online school for their child. But, surprisingly, many learners with ADHD actually do better with online schooling. Why?

• Control: Learners can fidget, stand up, or walk around while listening (cameras can be off for moments if needed), and it doesn’t disrupt other learners.

• Distractions: In online settings, learners can control their environment. No more being distracted by other learners moving around, whispering or fidgeting around them. 

• Recordings: If learners zone out, they can rewind the lesson at any time when their focus is better. This means your child has optimal control and can learn at a pace that best suits them. 

If you are looking for a safety-first, future-focused education that respects your child's individuality, Teneo is here to give you that peace of mind. 

Book a one-on-one consultation.

Your child belongs at Teneo 

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, start your learning journey with Teneo today.