FAQ
Common parent questions
A cleaner FAQ layer for the core questions families usually ask before registering.
Admissions
Can students enrol at any time during the year?
Yes — anytime, anywhere.
Can my child transfer from another school mid-year?
A placement test may be required to determine the appropriate academic level. Students transferring from another SwitchedOn Education school can continue from where they left off.
Can my child start immediately after registration?
Yes, once payment is made.
How do we know which pathway is right for our child?
Book a personal consultation with our team to discuss the best pathway for your child's needs and goals.
Do you offer trial periods or information calls?
Yes.
Do you support international families?
Yes. We include an international student registration option.
Accreditation
Who provides the curriculum?
SwitchedOn Education.
Is the qualification accredited?
Yes. The final qualification is accredited by Cognia.
What qualification does my child receive?
Students can receive an American High School Diploma, a GED, or a Grade 9 School Leaving Certificate depending on their pathway.
What are the requirements for obtaining an American High School Diploma?
The American High School Diploma is earned by completing a minimum of 24 credits over a four-year high school programme (Grades 9–12). Students accumulate credits by successfully completing the required courses in each grade. For a detailed overview of the credit requirements and subject breakdown, please refer to the Path to Graduation on the Curriculum page.
Is the qualification recognised in South Africa?
Yes.
Will my child be able to continue studying internationally?
Yes.
Curriculum
Is the curriculum Christian and home-based?
Yes. The curriculum is Christian-based and specifically designed for home education.
How does online learning work?
Students receive a login and password to access their coursework on the online learning platform, where subject specialist teachers monitor progress and provide ongoing support.
What does individually paced learning mean?
The programme allows students to learn and complete their work at their own pace while receiving ongoing support.
Do students attend live classes?
Some subjects, for example Maths, can have live class sessions.
How are students assessed?
Through continuous and formative assessments. There are no scheduled final exams.
How many hours per day should students work?
5–6 hours per day for High School students, and 3–5 hours per day for Primary School students.
Can students work ahead or take extra time when needed?
Yes.
Do students receive report cards or progress reports?
Yes, on request.
What makes this different from CAPS?
The curriculum is CAPS-aligned.
Support
How does support work?
Support is offered through dedicated teachers, tutor bookings, Microsoft Teams conferences, WhatsApp, email, and our built-in student programme.
Will my child have a teacher?
Yes.
What are subject specialist teachers?
Qualified teachers in their own particular field.
What support does a parent need to provide?
Parents should be available, aware, supportive, and encouraging, while maintaining regular communication with teachers.
What is the Virtual Learning Centre?
It is a daily virtual class to support and motivate a student whose parents are not available to facilitate their child.
Can students receive additional support if needed?
Yes.
How do parents communicate with teachers?
Via Microsoft Teams.
University Pathways
Will my child be accepted at university?
Yes — both internationally and locally, depending on the specific university entry requirements.
Are SAT results required?
This depends on the university and needs to be confirmed with the specific institution. Some may require SAT or NBT results. Refer to the Path to Graduation.
What is USAf evaluation and when is it needed?
Please follow the Path to Graduation on the Curriculum page for full details.
Is SAQA verification required?
Usually for the workplace, but certain tertiary institutions may also require it.
What subjects should students choose for university entrance?
Students will be guided by our Student Counsellor to ensure they select the right subjects for their intended pathway.
What happens after Grade 12?
Upon successful completion of Grade 12 and the external moderation of all required work, students are awarded an American High School Diploma (AHSD) and an official academic transcript.
Do you have a formal graduation ceremony?
Yes — once a year we host a Virtual Graduation Ceremony for parents, students, friends, and family.
Will students receive guidance for future study options?
Yes, through our Graduation Department. Support is provided regarding qualification requirements, graduation planning, and post-school study options to help students make informed decisions about their future.