A Curated Selection ofÂ
ND-friendly Homeschooling Options for Your Family
What is ND-friendly Homeschooling?Â
Self-paced & Child-centered Curriculum | Allows for Asynchronous Development & Learning |
Cultivate the Love of Learning | Embrace Hyperfocus & Monotropism | Remedial & Accelerated Subjects |
Delight-directed Learning for Special Interests | Psycho-Social Education & Family Support |
Social- Emotional Development | Accommodates Autistic Support Needs |
Find & Fix Learning Gaps on the Go | Understand ND Functioning isn't Fixed |
Supports Neuro-differences & Sensory Differences & Social Differences |
Support Learning Differences & Executive Functioning | Independence may look different.
Neuro-affirming
A neurodivergent-affirming approach to neurodevelopmental conditions recognizes the unique strengths
and support needs of all neurotypes, contrasting with deficit-based models focused on "fixing" differences.
It acknowledges how environmental and societal barriers can worsen challenges for neurodivergent individuals.
Traditional therapies often push neurodivergent individuals to mask their traits, leading to negative outcomes like shame and anxiety. In contrast, neuro-affirming practices promote understanding of neurodiversity,
inform individuals about differences and provide accommodations and supports that affirm neurodivergent identities.
Thus empowering neurodivergents to self-advocate for their support needs in the classroom and workplace,
and ultimately to enhance wellness, self-esteem and functional independence.
Matric Pathways
There are 3 Curriculum Pathways and 4 Matric Qualifications (School Leaving Certificates) popular with
Homeschoolers in South Africa; all are recognized by USAf, SAQA and our Tertiary Institutions.
Children have different needs and you need to choose the best fit for your child.
AHSD or GED
American Pathway
This is the most neuro-affirming option because it is so versatile and flexible. You can also do a variety of homeschool approaches, like Charlotte Mason, Eclectic and more.
It is also mastery-based, self-paced and child-centered. You have 2 school exits you can choose from, the GED or the American High School Diploma.
Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel
British Pathway
Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel are less neuro-affirming, especially in high school, but primary school can be fairly self-paced and child-centered. IGCSE, AS & A levels often lead to overwhelm and shutdowns for ND students.
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It also depends on the service provider you use, see recommendations below for more neuro-affirming options.
CAPS-aligned with NSC or IEB
South African Pathway
This is the least neuro-affirming, just because of the way that the curriculum and exams are structured. It does not really allow for asynchronous development or a spiky profile. You may have to do a remedial CAPS to accommodate learning differences.
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Make sure you go for a more neuro-affirming service provider, see recommendations below.
1. American Pathway
For more information on how to homeschool with the American Curriculum, click on the yellow bird for the AHSD and the blue bird for the GED.
What Age is your Child?
Homeschooling the Primary years versus Homeschooling the Middle School and High School years may look very different.
Remember to let the Curriculum fit the Child, and not visa versa. Teach them in the Way they Learn.
As our children grow and adapt, so should the way we homeschool.
Gr. R-5
Primary School
I recommend a book-based curriculum for the young ones, e.g. The Good & The Beautiful or Footprints. Gentle, self-paced, parent-led, with a lot of Read-Alouds & Living Books.
Focus on cultivating the Love of Learning and focus on your child's glimmers and SPINS. Make sure there are neuro-affirming support and accommodations for your child's learning differences and asynchronous development.​​
Gr. 6-8
Middle School
I recommend a blended approach, where you combine a book-based and online approach.
Focus on fixing learning gaps to prepare your child for the more rigorous formal pathway in High School & on cultivating independent learners.​​
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Support your child's neurodivergent needs and especially their Executive Functioning.
Gr. 9-12
High School
I recommend an accredited online service provider, with tutor support, for the AHSD.
For the GED, you can continue with a blended approach and enroll with a GED-prep service provider for gr.12, e.g. Learnalot.​
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​Allow for a spiky profile and keep in mind that neurodivergent functioning is not fixed. Prioritize your child's mental health & Wellness over academic achievement.
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1. Pick your Core Curriculum with Main Subjects: English LA, 2nd Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Electives (depending on age, grade level and school exit).
2. ADD Afrikaans as 2nd Language.
3. ADD Art, Music & Nature Activities.
4. ADD Readers / Read-Alouds (Living Books).
5. ADD Handwriting & Typing (as needed)
6. ADD SEE (Support/Enrich/Enhance) Subjects for Delight-directed Learning.
6.1 Support Learning Differences & Neurodiversity e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Autism, 2e (as needed)
6.2. Fix Learning Gaps (as needed)
6.3. Unstructured free time to pursue Special Interests & Monotropic Flow State for Self-Regulation.
7. Engage in interest-led Social Activities & Extracurriculars in your local Homeschool Community, e.g. Coding/Robotics, Sport, Gymnastics, Dance, Horse riding, Art classes, Theatre, Music Lessons, Archery, etc.
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Click on the Individual Subjects to see the Scope & Sequence.
1
Primary School
gr. R-5
Preschool:
Language Arts/Reading:
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Foundational Reading, Writing & Spelling
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Basic Reading, Writing & Spelling
Mathematics:
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Math Fact Practice – Addition and Subtraction
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Math Fact Practice – Multiplication and Division
History/Social Studies:
Science:
Electives:
2
Middle School
gr. 6-8
Language Arts/Reading:
Mathematics:
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Mathematics Course 1
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Mathematics Course 2
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Pre-Algebra
Science:​
History/Social Studies:​
Foreign Language:
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Discover Spanish
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Discover Portuguese
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French I
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German I
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Spanish I
Health:
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Middle School Health (Semester)
Electives:
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3
Accredited Online High School gr.9-12 {AHSD}
Standard Pathway &
Honors Pathway
LANGUAGE ARTS
– English I (1.0)
– English II (1.0)
– American Lit. – English III (1.0)
– British Lit. – English IV (1.0)
– College Prep – English IV (1.0)
– AP Eng. Literature & Comp. (1.0)
– AP Eng. Language & Comp. (1.0)
MATHEMATICS
– Pre-Algebra (1.0)
– Algebra I (1.0)
– Geometry (1.0)
– Algebra II (1.0)
– Trigonometry (0.5)
– College Exam Math Prep (0.5)
– Pre-Calculus (1.0)
– AP Calculus AB (1.0)
– AP Calculus BC (1.0)
– AP Statistics (1.0)
– Business Math (1.0)
– FUNdamental Math – Spanish(1.0)
– Algebra I – Spanish (1.0)
HISTORY / SOCIAL STUDIES
– United States History (1.0)
– AP US History (1.0)
– World History (1.0)
– World Geography (1.0)
– AP World History (1.0)
– US Government and Civics (0.5)
– Economics (1.0)
– AP European History (1.0)
– Personal Finance (0.5)
– Psychology (1.0)
– AP Psychology (1.0)
– Epic Moments in World Hist.(1.0)
SCIENCE
– Physical Science (1.0)
– Intro to Physics & Chemistry (1.0)
– Biology (1.0)
– AP Biology (1.0)
– General Chemistry (1.0)
– AP Chemistry (1.0)
– General Physics (1.0)
– Honors Physics (1.0)
– AP Physics I (1.0)
– Environmental Science (1.0)
– AP Environmental Science (1.0)
FINE ARTS
– Music Appreciation (1.0)
– AP Music Theory (1.0)
– AP Drawing (1.0)
– Collaborative Theatre (1.0)
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
– Discover Spanish (1.0)
– Discover Portuguese (1.0)
– French I (1.0)
– French II (1.0)
– German I (1.0)
– German II (1.0)
– Spanish I (1.0)
– Spanish II (1.0)
– Spanish III (1.0)
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
– Business Management (1.0)
– Electrical Technology I (1.0)
– Electrical Technology II (1.0)
– HVAC-R I (1.0)
– HVAC-R II (1.0)
– Info Management I (1.0)
– Info Management II (1.0)
– Medical Terminology (1.0)
– Plumbing Technology I (1.0)
– Plumbing Technology II (1.0)
– Intro to Accounting (1.0)
– Accounting I (1.0)
– Accounting II (1.0)
– Business, Marketing, & Fin. (1.0)
– Investigating Careers (1.0)
– College & Career Readiness (1.0)
– Instructional Standards in Edu.(1.0)
– Mastering Microsoft Excel (1.0)
– Principles of Agriculture (1.0)
– Agriculture I (1.0)
– Agriculture II (1.0)
– Fundamentals of Design (1.0)
HEALTH / SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
– High School Health (1.0)
– High School Social & Emotional Health 1 (1.0)
– High School Social & Emotional Health 2 (1.0)
– PE, Social, & Emotional Education (0.5)
TECHNOLOGY
– STEM 1: Intro to Coding (1.0)
– STEM 2: JavaScript (1.0)
– STEM 3: Electronics and Coding (1.0)
– Introduction to Java (1.0)
– AP Computer Science A (1.0)
– AP Computer Science Prin. (1.0)
– Fundamentals of Design (1.0)
Neurodivergent-friendly
Online Service Providers
Acellus Academy gr.R-12
Acellus Academy is a K-12 online US private school and provides distance education via the Acellus Learning System that is WASC accredited & issue the American High School Diploma as a school leaving certificate (gr.9-12).
Acellus Vectored Instruction® is a powerful intervention strategy that fills critical holes in a student’s understanding to accelerate learning.
All tests & exams are done online.​
Book-based Curriculum
gr. R-8 & High School
The Good & the Beautiful
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Emphasizes family, God, high character, nature, and wholesome literature.
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Requires no daily prep time—just open the book and follow the instructions, learning and exploring along with your child.
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Combines multiple subjects, which connects learning and eliminates the need for six to seven different courses. Thorough phonics reading program creates excellent readers.
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FREE Printable Language Arts gr.R-8.
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FREE Printable Math gr.R-7.
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FREE Printable Science Marine Biology gr.3-8.
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FREE Searchable Downloadable Book List.
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Based on the Charlotte Mason Philosophy.
Footprints & Kaalvoetpret
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A proudly South African Homeschool Curriculum, available in English and Afrikaans.
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Take the ‘school’ out of home education and enjoy learning together. Charlotte Mason Approach.
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Shirley Erwee and Wendy Young are the team behind Footprints that they created after homeschooling their own children for more than 20 years.
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Ages 4-8: Little Footprints & Barefoot Days 1 & 2
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Ages 8-14: The Early Years
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Ages 10-16: The Last Century
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Ages 8-16: Footprints Naturequest
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SA History Lap Books
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SA Educational Board Games
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Watch this Curriculum Overview.
Afrikaans 2de Taal
Oolfant: 15 Minute Afrikaans
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Loslit-Afrikaans: iets vars en anders.
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Leer Afrikaanse Taalleer pynloos en verstaan en leer Afrikaans meesterlik skryf.
Art & Music & Nature
Handwriting & Typing
Find & Fix Learning Gaps
Elephant Learning
Students using Elephant Learning just under 40 minutes per week learned 1.67 years of mathematics in just 13 weeks. Available for web, mobile, and tablet.
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They guarantee when using Elephant Learning an average of 30 minutes per week, your student will increase in Elephant Age™ by 1 year or they will provide a full refund.
MobiMax
Find and Fix Learning Gaps MobyMax is the most effective, complete, awarded, affordable, and motivating curriculum in edtech. Over 60 curriculum, assessments, and practice modules and subjects! MobyMax's completely integrated system shows 360 degree progress monitoring as well as reporting for student, parent, teacher, principal, and district administrators.
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Support for Learning Differences
GED Prep Service Provider
Learnalot GED Virtual Tutoring
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Access to their Essential Education online learning platform
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Weekly online group lessons with an experienced GED® Virtual Tutor
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Personalized one-on-one AI Tutoring
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Small group lessons
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Dedicated study chat group
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Mentor support and advice throughout your GED® journey
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The option to cancel your enrolment any time after three months
Registrations are open throughout the year. Following registration, lessons will start each month, February through to November.
​Cost: various options are available.
Also offer: Pre-GED Bridging Course & GED Ready Practice Tests
Hybrid Academy | GetHybrid
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Offers various curriculum options and pathways for gr. R-12.
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GED prep service provider and online learning platform.
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American High School Diploma (via Acellus Academy).
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QTCO accredited National Certificate Vocational (NCV) for a grade 12 (NQF4) equivalent in South Africa.
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Adult Matric.
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Hybrid Syllabi is ideal for students that prefer an alternative to mainstream schooling with a focus on inclusive education.
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Support for Neurodivergent Students with learning differences or co-occurring conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Stress & Executive Functioning Support. LGBTQIA+ friendly.
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Offers Remedial Support & Screenings to find and fix learning gaps. ​Virtual tutor support, Assessments and Reports.
SEE Subjects & 2e Education
SEE: Support & Enhance & Enrich
Allow enough unstructured free time to pursue Special Interests & Monotropic Flow State for Self-Regulation.
Look at: Udemy, Domestika, Skillshare, Outschool, Study.com, here are a few examples:
Math
Arts & Crafts
Digital Art & Animation
Film & Video
Reading & Writing &
Book Clubs
Music & Music Theory
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STEM & STEAM &
Coding & Engineering
Outschool Engineering Clubs
Mental & Emotional Health & Social Skills
& Life Skills
Science & Experiments
100+ Easy and Fun Creative Nature Walks
Generation Genius Science Lessons
Social Studies
Horrible Histories Book Series
DK Eyewitness Workbooks: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome
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Theater & Acting & Dance
2. The British Pathway
For more information on how to homeschool with the British Curriculum, click on the bird below.
ND-friendly UK Selection of Curriculum Service Providers
Saintsburg
Online School
Offering Cambridge Primary up to A level qualifications through any accredited Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel exam centers. Students can access all their assignments and recorded lessons at any time of day and on any device. Parents can view all their student’s grades and submissions with a Parent App. With Tutor Support.
3. South African Pathway
For more information on how to homeschool with the South African, CAPS Curriculum, click on the bird below.
ND-friendly SA Selection of Curriculum Service Providers
NeuroMe
At NeuroMe, we take pride in our experienced curriculum, dedicated tutors, and compassionate NeuroChamps (neurodiversity support therapists). Our team is specially trained to provide unwavering support, addressing every cognitive, emotional, and physical obstacle to learning while nurturing your child’s holistic well-being. We are here to empower your child’s unique journey, every step of the way.
Saving Grace Special Needs Homeschool
We offer two flexible and personalized options for parents:
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Special Needs Curriculum (gr. R-9) in English/Afrikaans.
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Special Needs CAPS (gr. R-9) in English/Afrikaans.​
Saving Grace Special Needs Homeschool is grounded in our belief in inclusive education and that no child should be left behind.
Hybrid Academy | GetHybrid
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Hybrid Academy offers various curriculum options and pathways for gr. R-12.
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QTCO accredited National Certificate Vocational (NCV) for a grade 12 (NQF4) equivalent in South Africa for Entrepreneur.
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Prerequisite: gr.9. It's an alternative to the traditional academic route of Grades 10 to 12 in South Africa.
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Hybrid Syllabi is ideal for students that prefer an alternative to mainstream schooling with a focus on inclusive education.
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Support for Neurodivergent Students with learning differences or co-occurring conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Stress & Executive Functioning Support. LGBTQIA+ friendly.
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Offers Remedial Support & Screenings to find and fix learning gaps. ​
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Virtual tutor support, Assessments and Reports.
