The world of homeschooling has rapidly expanded, opening exciting avenues for families to support children’s education at home. Online resources bridge gaps, offering interactive learning, professional-grade coursework, and playful engagement for every age group. With so many options available, selecting the right platforms is essential for educators and parents who want kids to thrive. Below, discover a curated guide to top-quality online resources for children, including essential details, age ranges, features, and practical considerations.
Resource Overviews
Alison (www.alison.com)
Alison delivers standards-based educational material across a broad array of subjects. All courses are free, making it an attractive choice for self-motivated learners seeking academic depth. The platform lets users purchase digital certificates or diplomas after completing courses, which can be helpful for documenting progress. For those seeking a free option, Alison offers a downloadable Learner Record as official confirmation of completed courses. Paid membership can unlock discounts and remove ads, but learning itself is always accessible.
Coursera (www.coursera.org)
Coursera is known for lectures taught by world-class professors and interactive exercises supporting robust skill development. It is open to learners worldwide aged 13 and older. Those under 13 cannot access courses or create accounts. Certain degree programs or specific regions may impose higher age requirements. Coursera stands out for academic enrichment at a global scale, making it ideal for older children and teenagers ready to tackle more advanced topics.
Funbrain (www.funbrain.com)
Funbrain offers hundreds of free games, digital books, and engaging videos designed to make learning “fun.” Especially suited for younger homeschoolers, this resource is perfect for children who blossom in environments where math, reading, and problem-solving are seamlessly integrated with play. The entire platform is free and accessible, grounded in the belief that learning should be as enjoyable as it is effective.
Howcast (www.howcast.com)
Howcast specializes in professional and community-created how-to videos on thousands of topics. The format is ideal for younger learners aiming to pick up practical skills in a visual way, from crafts to simple scientific demonstrations. The approachable video style fosters quick learning and can supplement traditional curricula with hands-on experiences.
Khan Academy & Khan Academy Kids (www.khanacademy.org)
Khan Academy is a global leader in free, self-paced instruction, covering math, science, history, and much more. Interactive quizzes and progress tracking empower learners to monitor mastery. Khan Academy Kids, available as a playful app, targets early learners with age-appropriate activities and games, making foundational subjects accessible and engaging. Both platforms present an array of subjects, all at no cost and designed for mastery through practice.
Learner.org (www.learner.org)
Produced by Annenberg Media, Learner.org brings professional-grade educational programming to K–12 students and beyond. The site’s structured courses and trustworthy teaching materials are highly valuable for homeschooling families seeking consistency and quality. Learner.org’s content covers core academic topics and supports a deeper understanding of challenging subjects.
MathTV (www.mathtv.com)
MathTV specializes in clear, professional video lessons spanning basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. Children and teenagers can benefit from step-by-step explanations, visual aids, and problems worked out in real time. This platform is especially useful for learners who need additional math support or prefer seeing math concepts demonstrated visually.
NeoK12 (www.neok12.com)
NeoK12 curates educational videos, games, and lessons from across the internet, tailored especially for kids and homeschool environments. By combining multimedia formats, NeoK12 makes hard topics more accessible and fun, supporting both independent study and parent-led lessons. The platform stands out for its engaging mix of video and interactive elements.
PBS Kids (www.pbskids.org)
PBS Kids features beloved programs such as Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Curious George. The site delivers safe, trusted, and educational entertainment, blending media-rich content with early learning. It’s a strong choice for parents who value a playful introduction to foundational concepts and want to ensure children’s viewing is positive and productive.
Storyline Online (www.storylineonline.net)
Storyline Online presents actors and celebrities reading children’s books, with illustrations bringing each story vividly to life. For young readers, this platform strengthens literacy skills and fosters a love of stories. The engaging video format offers children an enriching way to experience books and develop core reading capabilities.
WatchKnowLearn (www.watchknowlearn.org)
WatchKnowLearn is an extensive directory of free educational videos, organized by subject and age level. Homeschoolers can browse thousands of multimedia resources to supplement their lessons, choosing carefully curated content for nearly any academic need. The platform functions as a powerful tool for parents building diverse, video-rich study sessions.
YouTube Learning (www.youtube.com/edu)
YouTube Learning aggregates lectures, tutorials, and content from colleges, universities, and trusted educators worldwide. It is best suited for older children and advanced learners, providing rich academic and skill-based material. With its vast content library, families can explore subjects in-depth and discover lessons on nearly any topic.
Age Considerations
Choosing an online platform often comes down to age suitability. For example, Funbrain and PBS Kids are tailored for early learners, blending play with foundational skills. Storyline Online and Khan Academy Kids support emerging readers and young children with age-appropriate materials.
Older children, especially those age 13 and above, benefit from Coursera’s academic rigor and YouTube Learning’s advanced content. Platforms like Alison, Khan Academy, and Learner.org provide mastery-focused coursework and structured programs suitable for middle and high school students.
Parents should always check each platform’s age restrictions, especially for account creation. Coursera has a minimum age of 13, and certain programs may require users to be older or have parental consent for data privacy.
Cost Structures and Practical Details
Most resources listed here are free to access. Khan Academy, PBS Kids, Funbrain, MathTV, NeoK12, Storyline Online, WatchKnowLearn, and YouTube Learning all offer substantial free content. Alison stands out with its free course access, but purchasing certificates or diplomas incurs a fee. The Learner Record from Alison is free, while digital certificates start at about $22 USD. Printed certificates and diplomas have additional costs, and paid membership reduces ads and may offer discounts.
Coursera courses often include free options but may require payment for graded assignments, official certificates, or full program access. Parents should verify price structures before enrolling children in paid courses or advanced tracks.
Advertising models vary. Many platforms, like Funbrain, MathTV, and PBS Kids, offer ad-free educational environments. Alison’s free courses may include ads unless removing them with a paid membership. Understanding each site’s approach to ads can help families avoid distractions.
Printable materials, progress tracking, and downloadable certificates can help document learning. Alison and Coursera offer formal records of accomplishment, useful for portfolios or educational compliance.
Highlighting Platforms for Special Needs
Homeschoolers seeking interactive math support should explore MathTV and Khan Academy’s math sections. For early literacy, Storyline Online and PBS Kids present highly engaging formats ideal for new readers.
Families prioritizing video-based learning have excellent options in Howcast and WatchKnowLearn. NeoK12 excels at turning challenging topics into fun, multimedia lessons. Alison and Coursera are strong choices for academic breadth and advanced coursework. For professional-grade programming, Learner.org offers consistency and depth across grade levels.
Tips for Parents and Homelearners
- Explore each platform’s features, age requirements, and subject strengths before introducing them into a child’s routine.
- Balance interactive play with structured lessons using resources like Funbrain, PBS Kids, and Khan Academy Kids.
- Document progress, certificates, or learner records to track achievements and prepare portfolios.
- Supervise use of global platforms like Coursera and YouTube Learning to ensure content remains age-appropriate.
- Encourage children to experiment with different formats, such as video lessons, games, and story readings, fostering well-rounded engagement.
Empowering Homeschool Success
Online learning is a powerful tool for homeschooling families, offering rich opportunities for exploration, mastery, and joy in learning. With careful selection, parents and homelearners can harness trusted platforms to complement daily study, meet individual needs, and inspire lifelong curiosity. Curated online resources support every learner, turning homes into vibrant, nurturing environments where education flourishes.
Photo by Julia M Cameron.