Best military and remedial schools for troubled youth in South Africa

Finding the right school for a young person with behavioural or learning challenges can be difficult for parents. Some children struggle to adapt to traditional schools and may benefit from a more structured environment. Fortunately, several military and remedial schools for troubled youth in South Africa offer discipline, education and specialised support to help them get back on track.

Key takeaways

• South Africa has no state-run military schools for troubled youth; institutions such as the South African Military Academy are reserved for adult defence personnel.
• Youth development programs such as the Chrysalis Academy use discipline, fitness, and mentorship instead of punitive confinement.
• Private boarding schools and structured wilderness camps offer alternative settings for teenagers who need a temporary behavioural reset.
• Child and Youth Care Centres handle severe behavioural challenges and court placements by offering psychological and social support.

Who is a problem child?

A problem child is a child with special needs who has anti-social behaviour and is difficult to control. Behavioural problems can be linked to anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, delirium, conduct disorder, ADHD, etc. It would help if you enrolled these kids in schools that understand them.

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Best military and remedial schools for troubled youth in South Africa

Military schools are generally not designed for troubled teens. Instead, parents can consider alternatives such as residential care, structured boarding schools, youth homes, or developmental programmes. Below is a guide to military, remedial, and disciplinary institutions in South Africa.

Military institution

The South African Military Academy is a defence institution focused on military education and training, not a disciplinary facility for minors.

The South African Military Academy

• Address: Staff College Rd, Saldanha, 7395, South Africa
• Call: +27 22 702 3000
• Email: enquiries@mil.ac.za

The academy houses the Faculty of Military Science for Stellenbosch University and caters to adult military officers and defence-related students.

Remedial and special needs schools

Remedial and special-needs schools in South Africa support children with learning, developmental and neurodiversity-related challenges. They offer tailored curricula, smaller classes and specialised support for conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. Below are some remedial and special-needs institutions in South Africa.

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The Bridge

• Address: Robert Bruce Rd &, Soho Ln, Beverley AH 2191 Johannesburg, South Africa
• Call: 010 005 5559
• Email: admin@thebridgeschool.co.za

This private remedial school supports children with ADHD, anxiety and mild autism who may struggle in mainstream classrooms. The Bridge provides personalised academic support to help students catch up and rebuild confidence.

School of Transformation

• Address: 316 Trichardt Road, Parkdene, Boksburg, South Africa
• Call: (011) 917-1230, (011) 892-5597
• Email: admin@adhdsolutions.co.za

This specialist institution supports children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and high-functioning autism, as well as emotional challenges. It uses targeted educational strategies to promote personal and academic growth.

Little Oaks Remedial School

• Address: Benoni Agricultural Holdings, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
• Call: 061 953 9871
• Email: info@littleoaksremedial.co.za

This private remedial school supports children with developmental delays, apraxia, dyspraxia and ADHD. It uses specialised teaching methods to accommodate individual learning needs and paces.

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Pretoria Preparatory School

• Address: 262 Murray Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
• Call: (012) 362-0308
• Email: correspondence2@pretoriaprep.co.za

The Pretoria Preparatory School supports children with specific learning challenges, helping them catch up through specialised educational support. Many learners transition back to mainstream schools after completing the programme.

Pro Ed House School

• Address: 916 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
• Call: +27 12 430 6215
• Email: contact@pro-ed.co.za

Located in Cape Town, this school supports learners facing academic challenges through personalised education and multidisciplinary support. Its small classes allow for more individual attention.

Oakley House School

• Address: 99 Main Road, Plumstead, 7800, Cape Town, South Africa
• Call: 021 762 7204
• Email: infoprep@oakleyhouse.co.za

The Oakley House School provides primary and high school education for learners with difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD. Its curriculum supports special-needs learners from Grade R to Grade 12.

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Abeille Ruche School

• Address: 17 Graaff Avenue, Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa
• Call: +27 21 559 8902
• Email: office@abeilleruche.co.za

This Christian-based institution offers a supportive home-school environment with small class sizes and personalised learning. It provides quality education for students who benefit from a quieter academic setting.

Shelanti Private School

• Address: 24 Stepney Rd, Parklands, Table View, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
• Call: 021 557 3484
• Email: deirdre@shelantiprivateschool.co.za

Located in Cape Town, Shelanti Private School supports children with average to high intellectual potential and mild to moderate needs, including dyslexia and concentration difficulties. Its small classes provide targeted guidance and individual attention.

Catchup Kids

• Address: 80 Athol Street, Waverley, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Call: +27 (0) 11 440 1666
• Email: info@catchupkids.co.za

This specialised centre teaches foundational academic skills to young children who struggle in mainstream classrooms. Catchup Kids has multiple branches offering targeted tutoring and developmental support.

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Edu Excellence

• Address: Online platform (South Africa)
• Call: Available via website inquiry
• Email: info@eduexcellence.co.za

This online remedial school supports Grade 1 to Grade 9 learners who benefit from remote learning. Edu Excellence allows students to focus on their studies without the distractions and pressures of a traditional classroom.

Dunatos Private Remedial School

• Address: Old Paarl Road, Stikland Premises, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
• Call: +27 21 300 6698
• Email: info@dunatos.co.za

Located in the Western Cape, Dunatos Private Remedial School supports children with special needs who may struggle in mainstream education. It offers a specialised curriculum tailored to their individual learning needs.

Tafelberg Remedial School

• Address: 2 Swellengrebel Avenue, Bothasig, Cape Town, 7460, South Africa
• Call: 021 300 3366
• Email: reception@tafelbergschool.co.za

Tafelberg Remedial School provides specialised education and support for more than 400 learners with special educational needs. It is an English-medium school serving students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

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Cross-Over Remedial School

• Address: Plot 31A, 200 Springbok Road, Rispark, Johannesburg, 2053, South Africa
• Call: 010 534 7495
• Email: reception@crossoverremedial.co.za

This Christian remedial school in Johannesburg serves learners from Grade R to the FET phase in small, supportive classes. It focuses on addressing learning gaps and building students' academic confidence.

Star Academy

• Address: 112 Athol Street, Highlands North, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Call: +27 (0) 11 440 7796
• Email: info@thestaracademy.co.za

This organisation provides Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and intensive educational support for children with autism and related conditions. Star Academy operates across several locations nationally and internationally.

Wandsworth School

• Address: 197 Starling Avenue, Boskruin, Randburg, South Africa
• Call: 011 793 6310
• Email: info@wandsworthschool.co.za

The Wandsworth School is a Randburg-based facility that supports young children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and global developmental delays. It provides specialised therapy and educational programmes tailored to their developmental needs.

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Magalies Special School

• Address: 717 21st Ave, Rietfontein, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
• Call: 012 330 0168
• Email: magalies@netactive.co.za

Magalies Special School is a public school in Pretoria that supports learners with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities using a customised CAPS curriculum. It provides individualised attention based on each learner’s abilities.

Centre for Autism Research and Education (CARE)

• Address: 30 Raglan Street, cnr 9th Avenue, Orange Grove, Gauteng, South Africa
• Call: 011 485 0335
• Email: info@thecarecentre.co.za

This Johannesburg centre supports learners with autism spectrum disorder aged 18 months to 12 years. It offers specialised therapies, educational support and guidance for parents.

Amazing K Autism School

• Address: 22 Paul Street, Northwold, Randburg, South Africa
• Call: +27 83 230 5880
• Email: Admissions@amazingk.co.za

Located in Randburg, this school supports children with auditory processing difficulties, speech delays and social communication challenges. It uses tailored communication strategies to improve participation and focus.

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Johannesburg Hospital School

• Address: Empire Rd & Joubert Street Ext, Braampark, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
• Call: +27 11 643 3050
• Email: info@joburg.co.za

This facility supports Grade R to Grade 12 learners receiving extended hospital treatment for chronic or life-threatening illnesses. It helps them continue their education during recovery.

Little Gems Residential and Respite Care

• Address: 40 Willow Cres, St Andrews, Germiston, 2007, South Africa
• Call: +27 73 930 4420
• Email: info@little-gems.co.za

This residential boarding and respite care facility supports children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities. It provides specialised education and daily care in a safe, nurturing environment.

Alma School

• Address: 404 Franzina Street, Eloffsdal, Pretoria, South Africa
• Call: (012) 335 0252
• Email: admin@almaschool.co.za

Established in 1963, Alma School is a Pretoria-based non-profit school that supports students with developmental disabilities through education, sports and cultural activities. It serves more than 350 students aged 5 to 18.

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Harding Special School

• Address: Gallaway Street, Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, 4680, South Africa
• Call: +27 39 433 1143
• Email: info@hardingss.org.za

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Harding Special School provides education, therapy, medical care and hostel facilities for physically disabled children from rural communities. It combines schooling with comprehensive rehabilitation and support.

Forest Town School

• Address: New Forest Rd, Forest Town, Johannesburg, 2122, South Africa
• Call: 011 646 0131
• Email: info@fts.org.za

The Forest Town School was founded in 1948. This historic Johannesburg institution provides specialised education, therapy and support for children with cerebral palsy. It was among the pioneers of integrated medical and educational care for physically disabled children in South Africa.

Disciplinary, youth development, and social care facilities

South Africa has specialised child and youth care centres, structured youth programmes and non-profit homes for adolescents facing serious behavioural or family challenges. These organisations provide structure, mentorship and psychological support to help at-risk youth. Below is a list of disciplinary schools in South Africa.

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Busisiwe Modisakeng Child and Youth Care Centre (Emmasdal)

• Address: Vaaldam Road, Heidelberg, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, 1442, South Africa
• Call: 016 340 1000, 082 336 0566
• Email: Rachel.human@gauteng.gov.za

The facility is a state-managed Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) overseen by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, rather than a private academic remedial school. It provides residential care, structured support, and skills development programs for vulnerable or at-risk adolescent girls aged 12 to 18.

Rachel Human (Huma) heads the institution, which was officially renamed in honour of the late Sedibeng District Municipality Executive Mayor, Busisiwe Modisakeng.

Boys and Girls Town

• Address: 11 Lemon Street, Sunnyside, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
• Call: +27 (0) 11 482 2655
• Email: jds@gbtown.org.za

The Boys and Girls Town was established in 1958. This organisation provides residential care and therapeutic support for young people affected by abuse, family breakdown or behavioural challenges. It operates several branches across South Africa.

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JW Luckhoff Child and Youth Care Centre

• Address: Vaaldam Road, Heidelberg, Sedibeng, Gauteng, 1442, South Africa
• Call: 010 344 1280, 082 490 7896
• Email: Tozama.tshabane@gauteng.gov.za

This state-run residential facility provides structured routines, behavioural guidance and academic support for boys needing intensive intervention. It operates under provincial social development programmes to support vulnerable youth.

Warriors Academy

• Address: A46.1 Franschoek, Magoebaskloof, 0731, Limpopo Province, South Africa
• Call: +27 (0)83 737 2892
• Email: marketing@warriors.co.za

Warriors Academy is an adventure-based gap-year programme in Limpopo that combines outdoor coaching, personal development and life-skills training to help young adults find direction. It promotes self-discovery through structured, hands-on learning.

Chrysalis Academy

• Address: Chrysalis Academy Porter Estate, Tokai Road, Cape Town, South Africa
• Call: 021 712 1023
• Email: info@chrysalisacademy.org.za

Operating in the Western Cape, Chrysalis Academy offers a three-month residential leadership programme for young adults aged 18 to 25. It focuses on building mental, physical and emotional resilience.

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School of Hope

• Address: 41 Newton Road, Gants Plaza, Strand, 7130, South Africa
• Call: 021 852 3425
• Email: info@hope.org.za

This alternative education programme in Strand supports vulnerable youth at risk of dropping out due to poverty, teenage pregnancy or gangsterism. It provides a safe learning environment to help students return to education and society.

SPARK Schools

• Address: 41 High Rd, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2018, South Africa
• Call: +27 (0) 10 125 0601
• Email: info@sparkschools.co.za

SPARK Schools is a private primary and high school network that uses a blended-learning model to educate children. Although it is sometimes misclassified, it is a traditional academic network with no military affiliation.

What are some schools in South Africa that support troubled teens?

Institutions supporting troubled teens in South Africa include Boys' Town, Girls' Town, Busisiwe Modisakeng Child and Youth Care Centre (Emmasdal), JW Luckhoff Child and Youth Care Centre, Chrysalis Academy, and Warriors Academy.

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What is the youngest age to go to military school?

The youngest age for military-style youth programmes in South Africa can be as low as 6, but formal military training or service generally requires participants to be 18 or older.

Is there a military school for boys in South Africa?

South Africa does not have a conventional state-run military school specifically for boys. However, youth cadet programmes offer military-style training and discipline for younger boys and girls.

Does Boys Town still exist in South Africa?

Boys Town still operates in South Africa as Girls and Boys Town South Africa. It provides residential care, youth development and therapeutic programmes for at-risk and vulnerable young people across several campuses.

The best military and remedial schools for troubled youth in South Africa vary depending on each child’s circumstances and support needs. Understanding what each institution offers can help parents choose an environment that provides the right balance of education, structure and guidance.

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Briefly.co.za published a list of the least expensive private schools across South Africa. They include SA College Private School in Pretoria, Mainstream College in Olifantsfontein, Helpmekaar College in Johannesburg, and others.

Private schools are often linked to quality education and state-of-the-art facilities, which contribute significantly to students' high performance. However, not all parents can afford to send their children to such institutions because of the high fees.

Source: Briefly News