Homeschool Learning Resources: Curriculum, Apps & Programs

Hand-picked, parent-friendly options across subjects—mix and match to fit your child and budget.

All-in-One & Core Curriculum

• Time4Learning Secular Paid PreK–12

  Complete online core (math, ELA, science, social studies) with self-paced lessons, automated grading, and printable reports.

  • Format: Animated lessons + practice + quizzes; reading/language arts integrated by grade.
  • Parent tools: Placement by level, progress dashboards, activity schedules, printable reports.
  • Flexibility: Month-to-month; pause/cancel any time; mix levels by subject.
  • Use case: Low-prep core for independent learners; add projects/novels for depth.

  Typical cost: ~$20–$40/month per student (older grades higher).

• Miacademy Secular Paid K–8

  Video-based core + electives (languages, entrepreneurship) with projects and a motivating reward system.

  • Format: Short videos, practice, and hands-on project prompts; safe social features for kids.
  • Parent tools: Assignments, grading, pacing controls, skill reports.
  • Highlights: Broad electives menu; high engagement for elementary.
  • Use case: Families wanting variety + dashboards without heavy parent teaching.

  Typical cost: ~monthly per-student plan; family options available.

• Power Homeschool (Acellus) Secular Paid K–12

  On-demand video lessons with auto-graded practice and flexible pacing; parent app for progress tracking.

  • Format: Short instructional videos + practice; many course options per grade.
  • Parent tools: Course selection, pacing indicators, grade export.
  • Highlights: Easy pick-up/put-down; choose across grade levels.
  • Watch-out: Heavy video format—supplement writing/labs for balance.

  Typical cost: ~$25/month per student.

• Oak Meadow Secular Paid

  Literature-rich, project-based print curriculum with an arts/nature emphasis; parent-led or enrolled school option.

  • Format: Printed guides + readers; creative projects; low screen time.
  • Highlights: Gentle pacing, strong writing/art integration, outdoor learning ideas.
  • Parent role: Active teaching + project facilitation; adaptable to multiple ages.
  • Option: Accredited enrolled program available with teacher feedback.

  Typical cost: ~$150–$250 per subject; full-year kits ~$450–$900; enrolled program higher.

• BookShark Secular Paid

  Literature-based, open-and-go instructor guides with strong reading lists; optional hands-on science kits.

  • Format: Daily/weekly schedules, read-alouds, discussion prompts, activity guides.
  • Highlights: Excellent book selections; clear planning for busy parents.
  • Parent role: Read-aloud culture + Socratic discussion.
  • Consider: Storage/organization for many books.

  Typical cost: ~$500–$1,000 per year package.

• Sonlight Faith-based Paid

  Christian, literature-rich curriculum with detailed daily plans and teacher notes—great for read-aloud families.

  • Format: Instructor’s guides, readers, read-alouds, timeline/maps, activities.
  • Highlights: Strong history/worldview integration; open-and-go schedules.
  • Parent role: Reading aloud + discussion leadership.

  Typical cost: ~$500–$1,000 per year package.

• The Good and the Beautiful Faith-based Free+Paid

  Open-and-go language arts & math (some levels free PDF), plus history and science units.

  • Format: Beautifully designed print/PDF lessons; minimal prep.
  • Highlights: Integrated phonics/grammar/writing/spelling; gentle spiral in math.
  • Flex: Mix printed sets with free PDFs where available.

  Typical cost: Free PDFs for select levels; printed sets ~$40–$120/subject.

Math Programs

• IXL for Homeschool Paid Adaptive

  Standards-aligned skill practice with analytics & personalized recommendations (also ELA, science, social studies).

  • Format: Bite-size skills with instant feedback and explanations.
  • Parent tools: Real-time analytics, trouble spots, skill planners.
  • Highlights: Massive skill bank; diagnostic pinpoints gaps.
  • Tip: Set time/skill goals to avoid drill fatigue.

  Typical cost: ~$10–$25/month per student (depends on subjects).

• Beast Academy Paid

  Comic-style guides + online practice from Art of Problem Solving; deep reasoning and puzzles.

  • Format: Graphic-novel guides teach concepts; online problems build mastery.
  • Highlights: Challenging, joyful problem solving; great for mathy kids.
  • Parent role: Coach through challenge pacing; celebrate productive struggle.

  Typical cost: Online ~$15/month; books ~$100+ per level.

• Teaching Textbooks Paid

  Self-paced app with short lectures, step-by-step solutions, and auto-grading from Math 3 to Pre-Calculus.

  • Format: Audio/visual lesson → practice → immediate feedback; built-in hints.
  • Parent tools: Gradebook, problem review, progress dashboards.
  • Highlights: Independent-friendly; accessible explanations.

  Typical cost: ~$45–$75 per course/year.

• Math Mammoth Paid Printable

  Mastery-based PDFs/worktexts with clear teaching notes—great value for core or tutoring.

  • Format: Concise instruction + practice in the workbook (no separate TM required).
  • Highlights: Strong number sense, mental math, and word-problem focus.
  • Use case: Budget-friendly print core or skill gaps fill-in.

  Typical cost: ~$15–$45 per level (PDF); bundle under ~$250.

• Singapore Math Paid

  Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract approach with bar models; multiple home editions.

  • Format: Textbook + workbook; manipulatives/visuals; explicit model drawing.
  • Highlights: Excellent conceptual depth and problem solving.
  • Parent role: Learn/teach the method; short, focused lessons.

  Typical cost: ~$80–$160/year per child.

• Prodigy Math Free+Paid

  Fantasy-style math practice; free core game; optional membership adds features.

  • Format: Curriculum-aligned practice embedded in RPG gameplay.
  • Parent tools: Assignment goals, skill reports, time-on-task.
  • Tip: Set learning targets and time limits to keep focus.

  Typical cost: Free core; membership ~$10–$15/month.

Language Arts & Reading

• Reading Eggs Paid

  Phonics and fluency through gamified lessons; includes Spelling and Reading Eggspress for older kids.

  • Format: Phonics maps, leveled lessons, short activities; optional spelling track.
  • Highlights: Strong early-reading motivation; bite-size practice.
  • Parent tools: Placement, progress reports, printable worksheets.

  Typical cost: ~$10/month or $60–$80/year (promos common).

• Epic Paid

  Large children’s ebook library with reading logs and levels—great for daily minutes.

  • Format: Thousands of ebooks + audiobooks; guided reading levels.
  • Parent tools: Reading logs, time-tracked minutes, recommendations.
  • Use case: Independent reading habit builder; quick access to variety.

  Typical cost: ~$10–$12/month family.

• Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Paid

  Structured writing method with video teaching & checklists; helpful for reluctant writers.

  • Format: Video lessons + source texts + checklists; incremental skills.
  • Highlights: Clear rubrics; strong note-taking and composition scaffolds.
  • Parent role: Coach editing/revisions; adapt pacing as confidence grows.

  Typical cost: ~$129–$199 per course set.

• The Good and the Beautiful — Language Arts Faith-based Free+Paid

  Integrated phonics/grammar/writing/spelling; many levels as free PDFs.

  • Format: Open-and-go lessons + readers; copywork, dictation, art/nature tie-ins.
  • Highlights: Attractive layouts; minimal prep.

  Typical cost: Free PDFs (select); $40–$120 printed.

Science & STEM

• Mystery Science (Homeschool) Paid

  Ready-to-teach hands-on lessons with supply lists and engaging videos; minimal prep.

  • Format: Video lesson + discussion + simple investigations; printable guides.
  • Highlights: High curiosity factor; easy multi-age adaptations.
  • Parent role: Gather simple supplies; facilitate experiments.

  Typical cost: ~$70–$100/year family access.

• MEL Science Paid

  Monthly kits (Chemistry/Physics/Kids) plus AR/VR lessons; real experiments shipped.

  • Format: Step-by-step experiment kits + app lessons; safety guidance.
  • Highlights: Hands-on wow factor; varied topics.
  • Parent role: Supervise labs; manage recurring shipments.

  Typical cost: ~$30–$50/month.

• CK-12 Free Open

  Free “FlexBook” digital textbooks with practice and simulations; assignable.

  • Format: Modular chapters, practice, simulations; customizable books.
  • Highlights: Solid MS/HS coverage; easy to tailor to your scope.
  • Parent tools: Class setup, assignments, performance tracking.

  Typical cost: Free.

• OpenStax Free Open

  Peer-reviewed HS/AP/college textbooks (PDF/online).

  • Format: Full textbooks in web/PDF; some ancillaries available.
  • Highlights: High rigor for advanced HS & dual-enrollment.
  • Tip: Scaffold readings for younger HS students.

  Typical cost: Free (print optional).

• PhET Interactive Simulations Free

  Interactive science & math simulations—great for demos and virtual labs.

  • Format: Browser-based sims with teacher-made activities.
  • Highlights: Intuitive models for tough concepts; easy to embed.
  • Use case: Concept exploration + lab supplements.

  Typical cost: Free.

History & Social Studies

• Notgrass History Faith-based Paid

  Complete history programs with literature, Bible (in some lines), activities, and clear schedules.

  • Format: Texts + literature readings + activities; optional workbooks.
  • Highlights: Organized daily plans; literature integration.
  • Consider: Faith component varies by series; plan for book costs.

  Typical cost: ~$140–$220 per course (literature sets extra).

• Smithsonian Learning Lab Free Secular

  Curate primary sources from Smithsonian museums; many teacher-made collections.

  • Format: Build collections of images, artifacts, videos with notes.
  • Highlights: Museum-quality sources; easy to customize units.
  • Use case: Inquiry-based activities and document studies.

  Typical cost: Free.

• Library of Congress for Teachers Free

  Primary source sets, analysis tools, and ready-to-use lesson plans.

  • Format: Primary source sets with teacher guides and analysis worksheets.
  • Highlights: Historic photos, letters, maps; strong document analysis.
  • Tip: Adapt classroom pacing for one-to-one homeschool.

  Typical cost: Free.

• National Geographic Kids Free

  Engaging articles, videos, and quizzes on animals, biomes, and cultures—great for unit studies.

  • Format: Short articles, videos, interactives; classroom ideas.
  • Highlights: High-quality visuals; easy enrichment pieces.
  • Use case: Supplement geography, science, and reading.

  Typical cost: Free.

Live Online Classes & Tutors

• Outschool Live Paid

  Thousands of live classes across academics, arts, and interests; filter by age, schedule, and reviews.

  • Format: Small-group Zoom classes; ongoing, one-time, camps, clubs.
  • Highlights: Huge selection; parent reviews; flexible scheduling.
  • Tip: Check teacher profiles/syllabi; message instructors before enrolling.

  Typical cost: ~$8–$30 per class.

• Mr. D Math Live Paid

  Live or self-paced math (Pre-Algebra–Calculus) with graded assignments and parent dashboards; test prep available.

  • Format: Weekly live classes or recorded lectures; graded homework/quizzes.
  • Highlights: Clear structure and accountability; responsive support.
  • Parent tools: Gradebook access, pacing calendars.

  Typical cost: ~$200–$500 per course.

Free & Open Resources

• Khan Academy Free

  Comprehensive free courses with mastery tracking; strongest in math; also science, humanities, SAT.

  • Format: Short videos + practice + mastery challenges.
  • Parent tools: Assign skills, view progress, set goals.
  • Highlights: Clear pathways, excellent math coverage.

  Typical cost: Free.

• Khan Academy Kids Free

  Early literacy, math, and SEL in a playful app; includes offline printables.

  • Format: App-based centers with stories, games, and activities.
  • Highlights: Gentle, ad-free, developmentally appropriate.
  • Use case: Rotations for PreK–2 with occasional printables.

  Typical cost: Free.

• Code.org Free

  Structured CS pathways & Hour of Code activities; works on Chromebooks/tablets.

  • Format: Self-paced modules and projects; unplugged lessons included.
  • Highlights: K-12 scope; classroom-ready teacher guides.

  Typical cost: Free.

• Scratch (MIT) Free

  Block-coding for stories, animations, and games; huge community tutorials.

  • Format: Drag-and-drop coding; remixable projects.
  • Highlights: Creative, beginner-friendly; great for showcases.
  • Tip: Add design prompts and deadlines to focus projects.

  Typical cost: Free.

• PBS LearningMedia Free

  Standards-aligned videos, interactives, and lesson plans from PBS & partners.

  • Format: Searchable clips, interactives, lesson plans by grade/standard.
  • Highlights: Quality media; easy to plug into units.

  Typical cost: Free.

• Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool Free Faith-based

  Full K–12 day-by-day plans; minimal printing.

  • Format: Click-through daily lessons across subjects.
  • Highlights: All-in-one free pathway; simple to follow.
  • Tip: Add hands-on and writing for balance where needed.

  Typical cost: Free.

• AmblesideOnline Free

  Charlotte Mason book lists & term schedules; many readings are public-domain.

  • Format: Year-by-year book lists, schedules, narration/dictation practices.
  • Highlights: Rich living books; very low screen time.
  • Parent role: Curation + read-alouds + habit training.

  Typical cost: Free (books via library/used).

Enrichment & Skills

• Tynker Paid

  Coding tracks from blocks to Python/JavaScript; Minecraft modding & robotics integrations.

  • Format: Guided lessons and projects; block → text language progression.
  • Highlights: Fun integrations (mods, drones, robots); badges.
  • Parent tools: Track progress, assign courses.

  Typical cost: ~$10–$25/month (family plans vary).

• TypingClub Free

  Structured typing lessons with progress tracking and badges.

  • Format: Progressive lessons, games, and drills.
  • Highlights: Immediate feedback; simple analytics.
  • Tip: Short, frequent sessions build speed/accuracy.

  Typical cost: Free (optional premium/school editions).

• KiwiCo Paid

  Monthly hands-on STEM & art crates by age/interest (Koala, Kiwi, Tinker, Eureka, etc.).

  • Format: Mailed kits with instructions and learning blurbs.
  • Highlights: High-engagement build projects; neat storage needed.
  • Tip: Add lab notebooks/photos for portfolios.

  Typical cost: ~$20–$30/month per crate.

• Seterra Geography Free+Paid

  Classic map & flag practice games; free web version, paid mobile apps.

  • Format: Timed map quizzes by region/topic.
  • Highlights: Quick practice and retention; easy to slot in.
  • Use case: Geography warm-ups, review, and mastery checks.

  Typical cost: Free web; low-cost apps.

Special Needs Supports

• Nessy Paid

  Orton-Gillingham–based reading & spelling; dyslexia-friendly with systematic lessons and reports.

  • Format: Short, structured lessons with multisensory games/practice.
  • Highlights: Clear, incremental sequence; engaging for strugglers.
  • Parent tools: Placement, progress reports, printable practice.
  • Tip: Daily 10–20 minute sessions work best.

  Typical cost: ~$12–$20/month per student (bundles vary).

Trusted Government & Public-Domain Learning Hubs

• NASA STEM Free

  Activities, lesson plans, and mission projects (rockets, space science); filter by grade.

  • Format: Project guides, videos, career spotlights.
  • Highlights: Real-world space context; exciting builds.

• NOAA Education Free

  Oceans, weather, and climate lessons with datasets & activities.

  • Format: Lesson plans, data interactives, labs.
  • Highlights: Authentic data; cross-disciplinary STEM.

• USGS Education Free

  Earth science: maps, geology, water, hazards modules.

  • Format: Lessons, data maps, activities.
  • Highlights: Strong mapping/geomorphology resources.

• National Park Service — Kids & Youth Free

  Junior Ranger booklets, park videos, and virtual activities—great for field-trip tie-ins.

  • Format: Activity booklets, videos, virtual ranger programs.
  • Highlights: Place-based learning; portfolio-friendly badges.

Planning & Record-Keeping

• Homeschool Planet Paid

  All-in-one planner for calendars, gradebooks, transcripts, and a lesson-plan marketplace.

  • Features: Assign & reschedule lessons, attendance, grading, transcript builder.
  • Highlights: Shareable reports; import pre-made lesson plans.
  • Tip: Start simple and avoid over-scheduling—review weekly.

  Typical cost: ~$8–$12/month or $70–$120/year.

Notes: Costs are approximate and change often; look for free trials/discounts. “Parent buzz” distills common strengths/considerations families report in community discussions and vendor FAQs, not star ratings.