12 Free Online Learning Websites for Homeschooling Kids
If you’re looking for online learning websites for your kids or students, these educational resources have been recommended by many schools. They are also popular with homeschooling families.
Now California schools are closed for several months, and most kids are watching classroom lessons online.
There’s been a deluge of free online resources being shared among parents and our California Department of Education website.
The lists are long and overwhelming, so I narrowed down the list to see which resources might be the best.
More homeschooling tips for families
- 10 Survival Tips for Work-At-Home Homeschooling Families
- Work-At-Home Bilingual Homeschool Schedule with 2 Kids
- Homework Routine: 6 Tips for Survival and Success
- Visual Daily Routine Chart for Kids in English, Chinese, Korean (Printable)
Are online learning websites helpful for children?
Before sharing the recommendations, I have to first say that as a pediatrician, I feel strongly about prioritizing natural, non-digital learning, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.
To be honest, my children have done very little online learning in the past.
We chose a particular school for my 6-year-old, because the program was one of few screen-free options in our area.
While we currently do not need the online resources on this list, I do think that for older kids, educational websites can be helpful when used in moderation and no in-person option is available.
But if your kids are happy without them, please don’t feel like you are missing out. This list is just here if you need it for reference!
Best online learning websites for kids – educational homeschooling resources
These 12 free online learning websites cover math, science, geography, language arts and more.
The content is geared for elementary school students up through high school.
While exploring digital learning programs, please be mindful about screen-time guidelines and tips for protecting eyes.
Encourage regular reading and hands-on learning which are critical to well-rounded, long-term health and development.
1. Khan Academy
Website: Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free online materials for math, science, engineering, economics, computing, finance, and college test prep.
Lessons range from preschool through high school.
Related: 15 Chinese Math Resources for Children
2. Time Magazine Kids
Website: Time for Kids
TIME for Kids has a weekly magazine for elementary school students (kindergarten through 6th grade).
Their stories explain the world while teaching news literacy.
Instructional materials are aligned to Common Core and state standards.
3. National Geographic Kids
Website: National Geographic Kids
National Geographic magazine has online kids reading and video materials about animals, environmental science and geographic.
4. Geography Focus
YouTube Channel: Geography Focus
These geography videos teaches kids about maps, flags, culture, languages, and travel.
The videos give an overview of various locations, important landmarks, and international issues.
Related: Montessori Geography Printables and Hands-On Materials for Kids
5. Ted Ed
Website: Ted Ed
Ted Ed features original animated videos, interactive lessons from teachers worldwide, and presentations from students.
The free videos cover a large variety of topics, including current events.
6. Code.org
Website: code.org
Code.org is one of the best free non-profit coding programs on the internet.
Kids in preschool through high school can learn how to program interactive stories, games, and animations.
Also check out Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s free coding programs, Scratch (for ages 8-16) and Scratch Jr (for ages 5-7).
7. Chalk Academy
Website: Chalk Academy
Free advice for raising multilingual kids plus hundreds of hands-on learning activities for preschoolers and elementary school.
Resources also include websites and apps with free multilingual books for kids and Chinese and Korean books/music for children.
8. The Kids Should See This
Website: The Kids Should See This
Thousands of free, interesting, and educational videos for kids of all ages!
The videos have a special focus on STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
9. Duolingo
Website: Duolingo
The Duolingo website and app offers free lessons and games for dozens of languages!
10. NASA
Website: NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website is filled with free resources about the planets and solar system!
Kids can learn about rocket ship launches and view real satellite images of the universe.
Free STEM activities are also available for kindergartners to high school students.
11. Prodigy Maths
Website: Prodigy Maths
Free extra math practice for children in grades 1-8.
Math coaching available at extra cost.
Try this: How to Teach Kids Basic Math for Free
12. Twinkl
Website: Twinkl
Twinkl has thousands of free and paid printable activities from preschool to 5th grade.
The worksheets cover typical school topics plus special needs educations, and Christian resources.
Some worksheets are available in additional languages including Mandarin Chinese, German, Arabic, French, Italian, and American Sign Language.
Helpful paid online learning websites for kids
Other educational programs worth considering require paid subscription. These include:
- Math:
- Language arts
- Art / Culture
Related: Chinese Online Tutoring Classes for Children and Adults
Save these online learning websites on Pinterest and share with friends!
Do you have other favorite online learning programs?
What websites or videos have been helpful supplements for your child’s learning?
Please feel free to share in the comments below!