It’s almost the end of the year. Grade R and Grade 1 parents are getting feedback that might mean “the plan” needs to be reconsidered, which may include remedial or assisted learning options.

Barbra Robinson, the Primary School Principal from Orion College, comments, “Most parents want to provide a good education. When their child is not coping, or they receive feedback about looking at alternative schools, this can be challenging for the whole family.”

When looking at remedial or assisted learning schools, be clear about what you want.  Ask your Occupational Therapist, Play or Speech Therapist for guidance and look at the pros and cons of 3 to 4 schools before you take a tour. Check if therapy is offered on-site and included in school fees, what extra murals and enrichment activities are offered, the school structure and the number of children per class.

Top 10 Alternative Schools in Johannesburg* with a Google Rating of >4.5

Orion College, www.orioncollege.co.za Randpark Ridge

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School, www.glenoaks.org.za Kensington

Bellavista School, www.bellavista.org.za  Birdhaven, Melrose

Bright Stars Academy, www.brightstarsacademy.co.za Orange Grove

Delta Park School, www.deltapark.gp.school.za  Randburg

Japari School, www.japari.co.za Parkview

Forest Town, www.foresttownschool.co.za Forest Town

Bedfordview Learning School www.brltc.co.za Bedfordview.

Omatas Learning Centre, www.omatas.co.za Fairlands

Baobab Assisted Learning Centre, www.baobablearnercentre.co.za  Parktown North

When you reach out to remedial or alternative schools, they will generally need a Psychoeducational Assessment by an Educational Psychologist, an Occupational Therapy report, a Speech Therapy report, eye test and hearing tests (optional), and medical and academic history.

Fees at Remedial and Assisted Learning Schools

“Fees for alternative schools can be a barrier,” Lelani Van Blerk, Managing Director at Omnilutions, said. “Talk to your tax consultant and financial planner about school fees and tax rebates for diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, epilepsy, and dyslexia, amongst others. The first year is the most challenging, with tax rebates offsetting some costs for year 2 onwards.”

When you look at fees, work out if therapies and extra murals are included in the fees, or if there are hidden costs. Barbra Robinson, the Primary School Headmaster from Orion College, comments, “At Orion, we believe therapies are a core part of what helps fill the gaps and remediates a child, which is why we have nine therapists with everything included in our school fees. That means the parent can drop their child off and pick them up after extra murals. There’s no need to schedule extra appointments or pay extra costs. We find this reduces the load on the family who often try to balance the needs of their other children, and family.”

Note: *Criteria for selected schools are based on a Google Reviews Rating of 4.5 and above with more than 8 reviews.

-- ENDS --

For any further details, please get in touch with Debbie Shepard from Affinity Collective at 0824400754 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.