Kaya Drive: To private school or not to, as an average South African?

By: Natasha Archary

One of the most challenging decisions you’ll make as a parent, comes when your little one has to start school. Sometimes the only option you have is a school that is close to home.

While most parents want the best for their kids, not every parent can stretch their money as far as private education may demand. Since becoming a parent, Sandile van Heerden has been forced to rethink his life and consider what would be the best for his daughter.

As many parents in South Africa would know, the waiting list to get into a top private school in the country is long and it is advisable to get started on applications for schooling years in advance.

That said, what if as an average household both parents can only manage to pay the private fees and accommodate costs for the uniform and stationery but not meet certain lifestyle standards more wealthy families set at the school?

Would you be setting your child up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations and a pressure to fit in?

The reality of private school costs

As a parent whose child is in a private school, the unwinded answer is that the monthly costs are high. How high depends on your earning bracket and how much you’re willing to sacrifice to give your child the best.

The reality of private education costs is that it can equal the monthly repayments of a high end vehicle or a bond in an upmarket suburb.

For many parents who did not have the same opportunities they are now providing for their kids, they are willing to put their child’s education above all else.

But when there are parents at the school who are able to book out an entire theme park for their child’s birthday, invite the whole class and provide lavish entertainment at their own expense, it can leave some parents feeling inadequate.

Almost like they’re unintentionally setting their child up for disappointment.

The thing is, that you don’t need to measure up to that and you can opt to place your child in a private school regardless.

Additional costs for private school

Extra murals

Some private schools offer a colourful extramural calendar which is included in the fee structure, while others don’t. This is something to be mindful of when choosing a school.

Whether it’s sport, music, art, drama, dance or robotics, it’s important to find out what your child’s extramural options are and if it’s going to cost you more per month.

Some activities have a per term fee rate, others give you the option of monthly fees.

Aftercare

For the average working parent who doesn’t have a nanny or someone to pick up your child after school, aftercare costs can hit you where it hurts most, your budget.

With a half-day or full day rate, monthly costs for aftercare can amount to anything from R1500 to R2000, in addition to school fees and all the other expenses.

Let’s not forget about daily lunches, snacks and, and, and.

Something to remember with private schooling is that if a parent defaults on payments, your child can be suspended or removed from the school.