In the context of high income inequality in South Africa, personal conditions such as where one lives and learns influence educational outcomes. The socioeconomic status (SES) of the home and the activities conducted in the home are key determinants of educational achievement. Furthermore, the early learning environment and experiences of children are associated with their cognitive development and school readiness. In this newsletter we explore the role of the home in learners’ mathematics achievement in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).