With many people primarily focused on the matric results of public and private schools, homeschooling achievements are often overlooked.

Among the brightest homeschooling students this year was none other than Krugersdorp’s own Georgia Constanti.

Georgia was the top national candidate for the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). She began her homeschooling journey in Grade 8, joining a growing number of learners whose high school years coincided with the disruption and uncertainty brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For many families, those years reshaped what learning could look like, with disrupted routines, shifting learning environments, and a growing need for stability even when circumstances were unpredictable. Against this backdrop, Georgia’s performance reflects a sustained commitment to consistency over several years rather than last-minute academic pressure. Georgia led her grade from 2023 (Grade 10) and achieved an overall average of 92.29% across seven subjects. Her results included Business Studies (98%), Mathematics (96%), Afrikaans First Additional Language (95%), Life Orientation (93%), Computer Applications Technology (91%), English Home Language (88%), and Life Sciences (85%).

At the SACAI awards ceremony, Georgia received several top honours, including Best Overall Candidate Average, Best in English Home Language (88%), Best in Computer Applications Technology (91%) and Best in Business Studies (98%).

According to Georgia, she initially struggled to adjust during the Covid-19 restrictions before transitioning to homeschooling, but she was able to overcome these challenges.

“After the isolation I experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic in my Grade 7 year, I began dealing with anxiety. At the same time, my mom was running a registered tutoring centre, which gave me exposure to a structured yet supportive academic environment. Homeschooling offered me a more comfortable and focused approach to learning, allowing me to prioritise my academics without the additional pressures that often come with traditional schooling. I was confident in my ability to remain disciplined and committed to my studies in a homeschool setting,” she said.

Georgia added that in traditional schools, a significant amount of time is often spent on non-academic activities, which can sometimes distract from learning. She added that homeschooling, by contrast, offers a more independent and flexible approach to learning while still maintaining strong academic standards. It places greater responsibility on the learner, encouraging accountability and effective self-management.

“Homeschooling played a significant role in developing my discipline, time management and independence. It taught me how to take ownership of my goals, manage my responsibilities effectively and remain focused even without constant supervision – skills that have prepared me well for university and beyond,” Georgia said.

What does the future hold for Georgia?

Georgia explained that she will be attending the University of Pretoria.

“In five years, I see myself completing my articles, for which I have already signed a training contract, while continuing my journey toward becoming a Chartered Accountant. I also hope to be furthering my education and professional development,” she concluded.