50 Educational Apps Your Kids Will Love
The complete list of our 50 best mastery-based apps for PreK-12th grades in 14 subjects, vetted by teachers, approved by kids.
We polled over 200k families from parent groups around the world to ask them educational apps their kids love, we then vetted them for scientific accuracy and pedagogical approach - and tested them with our group of 30 Modulo learners (PreK-12th grade)
In our quest for high quality educational apps, we were specifically looking for mastery-based apps that made learning fun and engaging. The very best apps went a step further by personalizing the experience for each student (the app learns about the child’s learning style and preferences as they play and customizes the experience as it goes) Another factor we were looking for is that these apps were ones that children could do independently while parents were working (after their parents had downloaded the app and helped them get get oriented).
Here are our 50 favorites. And there is something great here for every age. We’ve categorized them by subject (and list grade level after every app) There are not as many apps specifically focused on science or creative writing, but the apps in the “complete curriculum” or “language arts” categories cover these subjects.
We have a special category devoted to self-directed learning. Many of the most important skills for children to learn are not necessarily taught in school (critical thinking, autonomy and creativity to name a few). We hope you will enjoy exploring this category as well.
And without further ado, here are our 50 favorite apps. We recommend trying a few out with your student, seeing how they respond and then building a few into your daily repertory. Apps are supposed to be fun and nurture a love of learning, so there’s no reason to force your child to do an app they don’t love.
*Modulo selects resources based on recommendations from parents, quality and after extensive vetting and testing. Resources with an asterisk have affiliate links which means we receive a small commission if you purchase the resource after following our link. It does not impact our decision to include the resource in our guides. We only see if affiliate links are available after we’ve already vetted the resource and selected it as a favorite.
This list is constantly growing as parents and teachers send us more great suggestions. If you have an app you think is missing from this list, please let us know!
🏆 Our Five Faves
1. BrainPop and Brain Pop Jr
Grades 3-8th+
BrainPop (and its version for younger kids - BrainPop Jr) is an educational website that standards-aligned content for every grade and subject via animated online videos, quizzes, games. Launched in 1999 by Dr. Avraham Kadar to support his pediatric patients, BrainPop has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Tech & Learning Award of Excellence. Kids use BrainPop by watching engaging videos, playing games and completing quizzes on a variety from science and social studies to math and English language arts, and they can engage with the content through games, quizzes, and activities. Parents appreciate the engaging and entertaining approach to learning, as well as the site's accessibility for all types of learners. However, the content may not keep up with fast-paced learners and some families felt it’s a great supplement but not enough to be a full curriculum. This is an ideal option for the kind of kids who are always begging to watch YouTube and love video games. A subscription ranges from $129-$159/year for two learners, but families can often obtain it for free via their local library. A phenomenal resource for English as a second language learners, BrainPop is available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. They also recently launched a special ELL version of the site.
Modulo’s Review: https://joinmodulo.substack.com/i/112064212/brainpop-jr-k-rd-and-brainpop-th
Main: https://www.brainpop.com/about/apps/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/brainpop/id364894355
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=BrainPOP&hl=en_US
2. Khan Academy Kids
Grades: PreK-2nd
Khan Academy Kids (PreK-2nd grade) is the free adaptive app version of Khan Academy’s website (PreK-12th) that revolutionized access to quality childhood education by providing thousands of free educational videos online in any subject. Khan Academy Kids enables children (PreK-1st grade) to study almost any subject online via their personalized learning games. The videos are highly engaging, and the app is adaptive so it personalizes learning according to each child’s level and preferences. Khan Academy Kids is ideally suited for parents seeking greater personalization in their child’s learning, who want to encourage self-directed learning or have concerns about their own time or ability to teach their children. In terms of all-in-one curriculum, this app is consistently sighted as a favorite among homeschooling families and teachers. It also provides built-in assessment tools so parents can measure how children are performing relative to their peers. Currently, Khan Academy Kids only goes up to 2nd grade. Khan Academy covers all grades, but does not include the fun videos and adaptive components of the app.
Modulo’s Review: https://joinmodulo.substack.com/i/112064212/khan-academy-kids-prek-nd
Main: https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/
Apple Store: https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/clkg/https/itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1378467217
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.khankids.android
Amazon : https://amzn.to/3w1giyE
3. Epic!*
Grades: PreK-6th
Epic! is a reading enrichment tool, designed for children up to age 12, that offers thousands of books and videos to boost a students reading proficiency and interest in STEAM, which are vital components for educational success. Epic! was created to combat the difficulty of obtaining books for students. Epic! allows students to access thousands of classics along with newer books. They have algorithms to help recommend books at your child's grade level and also their interest in topics. This helps students bypass the gruesome task of finding books they actually want to read. If students don’t like the recommended books, they can use the search feature. Once in, students are able to pick from a collection of over 40,000 books and can start reading. After each book is completed, students have the option to take a quiz to assess how much information they retained from reading. Parents and teachers love students can easily access books with just one device. The algorithm improves book recommendations for individual students, making it easier for students to pick books they want to read, and increases the likeliness they will finish the book. Once concern parents have is that there could be better content filtering: sometimes younger students see graphic content intended for slightly older kids. Some other problems include pages being missing for books or not being able to filter by age. We strongly recommend that parents spend time reading along with their child, maybe reading to them at younger ages and have children start reading aloud to parents they feel more confident with their reading skills. 20 minutes a day of reading is enough to enrich your child’s reading levels.
Main: https://www.getepic.com/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epic-books-for-kids/id719219382
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getepic.Epic
💚 Modulo Perk: If you are a member of Modulo or your school teacher has an account, Epic is free during school hours and for a limited amount after school hours. Join the Modulo Community here to get access to exclusive discounts and free resources to support learning at home.
4. Math Tango
Grades: K-5th
Math Tango is a highly engaging, sequential app for K-5th grade focused on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, aligned with common core and easy to use on the go. Founded by a team of techies and parents who wanted to make learning fun for their own kids, Math Tango is our top choice for an app that makes learning ridiculously fun indeed. While Math Tango probably can’t be used as a core curriculum past age 7, it’s a great way to start learning math, reinforce learning, practice multiplication tables or simply keep kids learning on a long road trip. Many kids in our own community started with Homer, moved on to Math Tango, then Prodigy and then started with Beast Academy when they were ready to take their skills to the next level
Modulo’s Review: https://joinmodulo.substack.com/i/108596390/math-tango-k-th
Main: https://www.originatorkids.com/?p=1008
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1234698308?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
5. Tocaboca
Grades: All
Tocaboca is a renowned educational platform that offers a diverse range of interactive apps designed to engage and empower children in their learning journey. With a focus on creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play, Tocaboca apps foster the development of vital skills in kids. Through immersive virtual environments, children can explore various professions, build and design their own worlds, solve puzzles, and engage in open-ended storytelling. These apps encourage critical thinking, communication, fine motor skills, and collaboration, while also nurturing imagination and fostering a love for learning. Tocaboca's apps provide a safe and stimulating digital playground where children can learn, grow, and have fun simultaneously.
Main: https://tocaboca.com/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/toca-boca-ab/id419103351
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tocaboca.tocamysteryhouse&referrer=utm_source%3Ddot_COM&pli=1
Also great…
👩🏿💻 Coding
CodeSpark Academy *
Grades: All
CodeSpark Academy provides an interactive coding experience tailored for children in pre-kindergarten to 5th grade. It offers gamified learning with puzzles and games that teach coding concepts.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/codespark-academy-kids-coding/id923441570
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.codespark.thefoos
ScratchJr
Grades: PreK-2nd
Scratch Jr is a visual programming app that introduces coding to students in pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade. It allows them to create interactive stories, games, and animations using blocks-based coding.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scratchjr/id895485086?ls=1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratchjr.android
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MwbGIf
🌍 Complete curriculum
IXL
Grades: All
IXL provides a comprehensive curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. It covers various subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies. The app offers personalized learning, adaptive exercises, and detailed progress tracking.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ixl-math-practice/id693689912
Khan Academy
Grades: All
Khan Academy offers a wide range of video lessons and interactive exercises in subjects like math, science, history, and more. It caters to students of all grades and provides a complete curriculum aligned with educational standards.
Main: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/khan-academy-learn-math-biology/id469863705
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.khanacademy.android
🇫🇷 Foreign Language
Duolingo
Grades: All
Duolingo is a popular language learning app suitable for all grade levels. It offers courses in numerous languages, including Spanish, French, German, and more. Duolingo uses gamification and interactive exercises to make language learning engaging.
Main: https://www.duolingo.com/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/duolingo-learn-spanish-french/id570060128
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duolingo&hl=en_US
Gus on the Go
Grades: PreK-1st
Gus on the Go is a language learning app designed specifically for pre-kindergarten to 1st grade students. It focuses on vocabulary building and basic language skills through interactive games and lessons.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/toojuice/id396747437
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=toojuice,+LLC
🗺️ Geography
Stack the Countries
Grades: 2nd- Grownup
Stack the Countries is an educational game that helps players of 2nd grade and above learn about world geography. It features quizzes, puzzles, and interactive maps to teach country names, capitals, flags, and more.
Main: https://dan-russell-pinson.com/category/games/stack-the-countries/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stack-the-countries/id407838198
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.freecloud.StackTheCountries&hl=en_US
Stack the States
Grades: 2nd- Grownup
Stack the States is a similar app to Stack the Countries, but it focuses on teaching geography within the United States. It covers state names, capitals, shapes, flags, and other related information.
Main: https://dan-russell-pinson.com/category/games/stack-the-states-2/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stack-the-states/id381342267
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.freecloud.StackTheStates
📓 Grammar
Mad Libs
Grades: All
Madlibs is an interactive storytelling app that allows students of all grades to practice their grammar skills. It prompts them to fill in the blanks with various word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives) to create funny and creative stories.
Main: https://www.madlibs.com/apps/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mad-libs/id326885152
✏️ Handwriting
L’Escapadou Writing Wizard
Grades: PreK-2nd
L'Escapadou Writing Wizard is an app designed for pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade students to practice handwriting. It offers a variety of tracing activities and letter formation exercises to improve penmanship.
Main: https://lescapadou.com/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/lescapadou/id367460664
📖 Early Literacy
Read Along
Grades: PreK-1st
Read Along, developed by Google, is an app specifically designed for pre-kindergarten to 1st grade students to help them learn how to read. It offers voice-guided reading support, interactive stories, and word recognition activities.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.seekh
Teach Your Monster to Read
Grades: PreK-1st
Teach Your Monster to Read is an award-winning free app that focuses on early literacy skills for pre-kindergarten to 1st grade students. It features engaging mini-games and activities that cover phonics, sight words, and sentence formation.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/teach-your-monster-to-read-phonics-and-reading/id828392046
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teachyourmonstertoread.tmapp
Fast Phonics
Grades: PreK-1st
Fast Phonics is a phonics-focused app suitable for pre-kindergarten to 1st grade students. It uses a multisensory approach with animated characters and interactive exercises to teach letter sounds and blending.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/blake-elearning/id530378341
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Blake+eLearning+Pty+Ltd
Homer*
Grades: PreK-2nd
Homer is an early literacy app targeting pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade students. It offers personalized reading lessons, stories, and activities to develop phonics skills, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app-bundle/homer-reading-stories/id1446799970
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.learnwithhomer.webapp&hl=en_US
Duo Lingo ABC
Grades: Preschool
Duo Lingo ABC is a preschool program that focuses on teaching letter recognition, phonics, and early reading skills through interactive games and activities.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/duolingo-abc-learn-to-read/id1440502568
22L's sight words game
Grades: PreK-1st
22l's Sight Words game is a comprehensive and enjoyable educational experience that helps children become confident readers by teaching them high-frequency words through engaging activities and interactive gameplay.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sight-words-games-flash-cards/id530809322
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.cfc.androidgp.sightwords
For dyslexic students
Nessy
Grades: K-10th grade
Nessy is an app specifically developed to support reading and spelling skills for students with dyslexia. It utilizes a structured and multisensory approach to learning, catering to students from K to 10th grade.
Modulo’s review: https://joinmodulo.substack.com/i/110879658/nessyages
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/nessy-learning-limited/id410276291
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=6265313553831027907
For more tips on tools to teach your child to read, see our post:
📚 Language Arts
Dreamscape Squiggle Park
Grades: PreK-2nd
Dreamscape Squiggle Park is an educational platform specifically designed for students in PreK-2nd grade. It provides a captivating virtual world where children can engage in language arts activities, including reading, vocabulary building, and comprehension exercises.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/squiggle-park-dreamscape/id1435417296?ls=1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.SquigglePark.DreamScape
Starfall
Grades: K-3rd
Starfall is an interactive educational website and app that focuses on early literacy skills for students in grades K-3rd. It offers a range of engaging activities and games that promote phonics, reading, and comprehension skills.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/starfall-free/id707189889
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.starfall.more&hl=en_US
🧮 Math
Dragon Box Apps
Grades: All
Dragon Box Apps comprise a series of educational apps that cover various math concepts. Suitable for students of all grades, these apps utilize interactive gameplay to make learning math enjoyable and accessible.
Apple Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app-bundle/db-complete-math-pack/id1439041986?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=8158527847106528812
Math Seeds
Grades: PreK-3rd
Math Seeds is an online math program designed for students in PreK-3rd grade. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses foundational math skills, with interactive lessons and activities to support learning.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/blake-elearning/id530378341
Slice Fractions
Grades: K-5th
Slice Fractions is an educational game app that focuses on teaching fractions to students in grades K-5th. Through interactive gameplay and puzzles, students develop a solid understanding of fractions concepts.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slice-fractions/id794730213
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Ululab
Prodigy
Grades: K-8th
Prodigy is a math game platform designed for students in grades K-8th. It combines math learning with an immersive role-playing game experience to engage and motivate students in their mathematical journey.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prodigy-kids-math-game/id950795722
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prodigygame.prodigy&hl=en_US
Fruit Ninja Academy
Grades: 1st
Fruit Ninja Academy is a math app specifically designed for 1st-grade students. It incorporates math challenges and puzzles within the popular Fruit Ninja game, making math learning entertaining and interactive.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/fruit-ninja-academy-math-master/id914394279?ign-mpt=uo%3D6
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XBK1P78/ref=mas_dl
🎼 Music
Rhythm Cat
Grades: All
Rhythm Cat is a music app suitable for students of all ages. It provides interactive music lessons and rhythm-based exercises to help students develop their rhythm skills and enhance their musical abilities.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-cat-hd/id583711348
Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=LMuse+Limited
🤸🏾♂️ Movement
Go Noodle
Grades: K-5th
Go Noodle is a movement and mindfulness app aimed at students in grades K-5th. It offers a variety of interactive videos and activities to promote physical activity, mindfulness, and focus among students.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gonoodle-kids-videos/id1050712293
🐥 Preschool
Endless Alphabet
Grades: Preschool
Endless Alphabet is an engaging app designed for preschool students. It introduces vocabulary and letter recognition through captivating animations and interactive games, helping young learners build early literacy skills.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/endless-alphabet/id591626572
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.originatorkids.EndlessAlphabet&hl=en_US
Epic Games*
Grades: Preschool
Epic Games offers a collection of apps that cater to preschool students. These apps provide interactive and educational experiences on various topics, engaging young learners through fun and informative activities.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45pdz1Y
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Grades: Preschool
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is an app created specifically for preschool students. It features a collection of educational games and activities that promote early learning skills and cognitive development.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/monkey-preschool-lunchbox/id328205875
Sesame Street
Grades: Preschool
Sesame Street provides an educational app that offers interactive games, videos, and activities featuring beloved Sesame Street characters. It focuses on providing engaging content for preschool students to support their learning and development.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sesame-street/id912435108
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=7850090303831496329&hl=en_US
Kiddopia
Grades: Preschool
Kiddopia is an educational app designed for preschool students. It offers a wide range of interactive games and activities covering various subjects, such as math, language arts, problem-solving, and more.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kiddopia-abc-toddler-games/id1223397201
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paperboatapps.google.kiddopia
🧬 Science
Skyview
Grades: All
SkyView is an astronomy app suitable for students of all ages. It allows users to explore and learn about the night sky, constellations, planets, and other celestial objects through an interactive and immersive experience.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skyview/id404990064
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Terminal+Eleven
Tiny Bop Apps
Grades: All
Tiny Bop Apps offer a collection of educational apps that cover various subjects, including the human body, weather, and more. These apps provide interactive and immersive learning experiences to engage students of all ages.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id682046579
Elements App
Grades: All
Elements App is an interactive app that explores the periodic table and the elements. It offers interactive 3D models, facts, and information about each element.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-elements-by-theodore-gray/id364147847
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.max.Elements&hl=en_US
Play and Learn Science (PBS)
Grades: PreK-2nd
Play and Learn Science (PBS) is an app designed for PreK-2nd grade students. It provides interactive games and activities to explore and learn about scientific concepts.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/play-and-learn-science/id1300256105
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=8332149447945516079
Wild Kratts
Grades: PreK-2nd
Wildkratts is an app based on the popular children's TV show. It offers educational games and activities focused on animals and the natural world, suitable for PreK-2nd grade students.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-kratts-world-adventure/id844517266
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pbskids.wkwa
Self-directed learning
+critical thinking, creativity, social studies and other 21st century skills
Tappity App
Grades: Prek-4th
Tappity App is an interactive storytelling app that covers various educational topics. It offers engaging stories, facts, and interactive elements to enhance learning for PreK-4
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tappity-interactive-stories/id1265019371?ls=1
Kahoot
Grades: All
Kahoot is an interactive learning platform that allows teachers to create fun quizzes, surveys, and discussions to engage students in a game-based learning experience.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1131203560
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=5643238107618943124
Youtube kids
Grades: All
Youtube Kids is a kid-friendly version of Youtube that offers a safe and age-appropriate environment for children to explore educational videos, channels, and playlists.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/youtube-kids/id936971630
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.youtube.kids
PBS Kids Apps and Games
Grades: PreK-2nd
PBS Kids apps and games offer a range of educational apps and games that promote learning through popular PBS Kids characters, covering a variety of subjects and skills for preschool and early elementary students.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pbs-kids-games/id1050773989
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=PBS+KIDS
PBS kids videos
Grades: PreK-2nd
PBS Kids videos provide a vast collection of educational videos featuring beloved PBS Kids characters, offering engaging and informative content for preschool and early elementary students.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pbs-kids-video/id435138734
Minecraft Education
Grades: 2nd- Grownup
Minecraft Education Edition is an educational version of the popular sandbox game, Minecraft, designed specifically for classroom use, allowing students to collaborate, explore, and engage in immersive learning experiences across various subjects and disciplines.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/minecraft/id479516143
Curiosity Stream
Grades: 3rd- Grownup
Curiosity Stream is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of high-quality documentaries and non-fiction content, catering to curious learners from 3rd grade to adults.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/curiositystream/id971830624
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.curiosity.curiositystream
⌨️ Typing
Grades: All
Animal Typing
Animal Typing is an app that teaches typing skills through fun and interactive games, helping users improve their typing speed and accuracy across all age groups.
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/animal-typing/id912022264