What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?
Most expatriates choose to send their children to independent schools instead of public schools. Independent schools are similar to private schools in the United States and United Kingdom. There are quite a few well-established and respected schools in the country area, in close vicinity to Cape Town.
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What are some examples of these schools?

  • Herzlia School – Cape Town - The aim of the Herzlia School is to provide the best possible Judaic, secular and cultural education for Jewish children in order to foster their Jewish identity and to enhance their potential for participation within both the Jewish and wider society. Herzlia provides the best combination of educators to ensure optimum matriculation results. Its presentation of the curriculum is designed to prepare each student to attain a level of education that meets internationally accepted standards.
  • Bishops - Diocesan College – Rondebosch- An education at Bishops is a privilege for any young man, but those at Bishops are constantly reminded of their place in the broader South Africa. Understanding the meaning of abundance and scarcity are as much a part of their education as history and mathematics. It is this acknowledgment of one’s place and role in a broader society that helps make Bishops graduates leaders of the future.
  • German International School – Tamboerskloof - It is Tamboerskloof's goal to provide an excellent and well-rounded education to all its students. The graduates of Tamboerskloof contribute immensely to whichever community they choose to reside.
  • Rondebosch Boys – Rondebosch - Rondebosch believes that their strength lies not only in catering for the achievers, but also in providing an opportunity for all boys, of whatever interests and abilities, to explore and develop their talents. Their educational thrust has been toward producing the well-balanced all-rounder who can make a real contribution to his community.
  • Herschel Girls’ School  - Claremont - Herschel continues to set the pace academically, culturally and in sports, turning out confident, capable young women in the best tradition of its long history as one of South Africa's leading girls' schools.
  • Rustenberg Girls’ High - Rondebosch - Rustenberg encourages every girl to aim for and achieve the goals that lie within their own capabilities. We offer a fine academic tradition, as well as the encouragement of leadership development, entrepreneurial skills, extramural involvement in sports and in cultural activities, as well as the promotion of computer skills.

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Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?
No, there is not a lot of competition for spots in the local public schools. However, there is more competition for the independent (private) schools because they only allow a certain number of pupils to be accepted for enrollment each year. However, most local residents send their children to public schools because the independent schools are very costly.
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Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?
Yes, preschools are widely available in Cape Town for children between the ages of 2 to 5. One popular local preschool is Qualkids Campus, located in a suburb to the north called Brackenfell. A more extensive listing can be found by checking the local telephone book or going online.
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How are most kids transported to and from school?
Some schools do provide school bus transportation. In cases where bus transportation is not provided, parents drive their children to school or they form carpools with other parents and they take turns.
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When does the typical school year start and end?
The school year begins in January and ends in December.
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Is there anything else I should know about local schools?
It is good to know that the law in South Africa requires parents to pay monthly school fees. These fees help with costs that schools cannot cover on their own and that are not covered by the yearly payment received from the government. If parents cannot afford these fees, then special arrangements can be made with the School Board. These school fees do not include text books.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.