Our Favorite Educational Apps and Sites

If you Google “educational apps,” you’re going to find…a lot of options. Whether you want your early learner to use some of their screen time to build literacy or math skills, or your big kid wants to study a whole new topic in their free time, the internet has many offerings to choose from. 

• PBS Kids: You already know PBS. Their excellent apps offer a wide range of games and videos featuring your children's favorite characters. Check out the "Parents" section of the website for hands-on activities to extend your child's learning, too.

• Khan Academy Kids. The little sib of Khan Academy, this app offers educational content in a variety of subjects, from literacy to math and beyond.

• Moose Math: This fun math app will help your 3-7 year-old build their skills in addition, subtraction, and more. (The creator, Duck Duck Moose, also offers a slew of other free learning apps in different subject areas.)

• Bedtime Math: This favorite offers a daily (or nightly) math problem focused on a fun fact or topic. This is a great way to sneak some math practice into your regular routine.

• Endless Alphabet: We love this cute, simple letter-learning app for early learners. When they’re ready, your child can advance to Endless Reader. The same site also offers Endless Numbers, Endless Spanish, and other early learning apps.

• Storyline Online: Great kids' books read aloud by famous Hollywood actors. 

• Khan Academy: Khan Academy is well-known for its free tutorials and lessons across all subjects and grade levels, but did you know it also offers great test prep for high schoolers who are looking ahead to the SAT and AP exams?

• IXL: This site offers a wide range of online courses and practice options by grade level (K-12), in math, literacy, social studies, science, and Spanish. Your child can practice individual skills and solve problems for free. (For more in-depth access, membership fees apply.)

• Zearn: Zearn offers students short videos explaining math concepts and plenty of opportunities to practice and receive real-time support and feedback. Our Navigators love Zearn for the many ways it lets students (and teachers) tackle individual areas of strength and weakness. 

• ST Math: In this math program for pre-K-8th grade students, students use visual imagery to solve puzzles (with a cute penguin named Jiji). Your family can register for free access. We love ST Math for all ages, but it's especially neat for early readers and emerging bilingual students, since no reading or English literacy is required to get started.

• XtraMath: This site allows elementary and middle school students to build their fluency in basic math facts. As an added bonus, parents can track their students’ progress. A basic account is free.