How to use our Schools Directory
This resource was created to help you find the best school for your child as there are so many different types of schools to choose from. Find schools in Gauteng. You will find lists of preschools, primary schools and high schools as well as alternative schools and homeschools in a suburb convenient to you. There are also different government and private schools, schools for special needs kids and child-centred learning centres.
We hope our summary below will provide you with the guide you need to begin to sift through the various options and identify what you really want.
Preschools – what are the different approaches to learning?
Preschools generally accept kids from 4 to 6 years old but with the variety of schools we have on offer, you will find preschools starting from as young as 18 months old. Some of these function as daycare centres as well and offer you aftercare services, for your peace of mind. Most of the preschools or nursery schools have their own curriculum and focus on the idea of having a caring, nurturing environment where kids can enjoy, learn and flourish. They also offer extra murals such as swimming, monkeynastics, Jungle Jive, drama and more.
Since this directory covers the entire Gauteng region, we have divided the nursery school section into areas, so that you can
search for a preschool near you in Johannesburg or the East Rand, West Rand, Pretoria/ Centurion or Midrand.
There are a few different approaches to early childhood development so we will touch on a few to help you make your decision.
Montessori preschools
These schools aim to create a calm, child-centered learning environment. The idea is for children to learn individually and at their own pace by moving freely around the room and choosing from a wide range of hands-on, age-appropriate activities that are designed to teach specific skills. The range of
Montessori nursery schools in this directory are also varied and you need to enquire directly to find out how each school applies these principles of learning.
The Reggio Emilia approach
This is a child-centred approach to learning and teaching where children learn by experience. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery.
Primary Schools and high schools
There is an
array of private primary schools and high schools aside from government schools in Gauteng. Private schools with small classes create an intimate environment where children may have the advantage of being exposed to additional learning material and experiences. Different primary and
high schools follow different curricula,
either the prescribed CAPS curriculum, the Montessori approach, blended learning, may involve technology based classes and usually offer extra mural activities.
Alternative schools
Is your child struggling to cope in a mainstream school? We have seen a rise in
alternative methods of schooling in South Africa. The common element of these schools is that most of them have small classes and intimate environments where kids can thrive. There are various curricula including the Cambridge system, Impaq, CAPS and even a Finnish model of teaching.
Homeschooling
Homeschools or learning centres by definition means a child is taught by their parents or a tutor. The need for these new spaces of learning has emerged in response to a variety of factors including parents dissatisfaction with the methods used at traditional schools or when a cultural or religious group feels discriminated against in a mainstream setting. The need for
homeschooling in Gauteng has grown enormously in the past couple of years. This schooling environment allows each child to be given individual attention and learn at their own pace.
Several other alternative options
A cottage school takes place in a small school setup with a chosen curriculum.
Distance learning is online education for home-based study which includes support for learners.
For schools that focus on specific arts such as dance, drama, music or art you can
find performing arts schools in Gauteng.
Parents that need a
school for a special needs child, we have a list of 30 special needs schools that assist and care for kids with downs syndrome, autism, hearing impaired, disabilities and more.
What about extra lessons for children struggling to cope?
We have an extensive list of tutors that can assist your child with a specific subject or all subjects in general.
Extra lessons for school can change the way your child feels about learning – be it languages or math, accounting or science, tutors are on hand to help.
Aftercare & homework supervision
Aftercare centres offer structured childcare for learners so that they are well cared for and constructively occupied while waiting for their parents. This may include
homework supervision to assist your child and get the work done. Some aftercare centres may offer transport from schools to their centres and back home again.
Teacher and school resources
If you’re a teacher you may find it useful in keeping with the times to browse through our
teacher resources directory. We have companies that offer training, workshops, programs and books to support teachers. For educational tours or camps and shows at schools, we have companies that specialise in catering to these needs. Educational shows are popular to teach children about life skills and are always necessary.
You’ll find libraries and recreation centres, school supplies and sports equipment suppliers.
Begin your search
We hope we’ve helped to make your decision in finding the appropriate school for your child easier with our easy-to-use directory. For teachers, the resources we have advertised makes teaching all the more fun and fulfilling.
