Free Online Resources for Homeschooling

If you’re looking for recommendations for free online resources for homeschooling, you’re in the right place!

I’ve got a list of 16 fantastic online resources for homeschooling that are FREE! Because after all, most of us have spending limits and budgets we need to adhere to while homeschooling.

We live in an incredible time where homeschoolers have SO many rich resources at their fingertips. There’s such an abundance of content out there!

But how in the world do we know where to start? How do we know which resources are solid and which we’re better off avoiding?

It can feel really overwhelming.

The tricky part, of course, is weeding through all of the mediocre resources to find the tried and true, legitimate, high-quality gems.

Which can be exhausting.

Well, here’s some good news…

I’ve compiled a list of FREE online resources for homeschooling to help reduce your stress and minimize the time you need to spend researching!

While the following resources aren’t specifically for homeschoolers, they fit into any homeschooling family’s routine and educational plan seamlessly!

Here are 17 FREE Online Resources for homeschooling!

Below each resource, I’ve listed the approximate age range and relevant subject matter.

Note: When you’ve finished reading this post, be sure to head over to How to Homeschool on a Budget for great tips on how to create a thriving homeschooling environment even when finances are tight!

1. Sesame Street

Young kids – A variety of subjects

Call me sentimental but as someone who grew up watching Sesame Street, it warms my heart to know that young children everywhere are still learning valuable skills and lessons through this special program.

Kids are able to select different options from an abundance of Sesame Street video clips. They can also play online games focused on teaching letters, sounds, colors, shapes, rhymes, and all sorts of other things.

A wonderful resource for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children.

2. PBS Kids

Young kids – A variety of subjects

Both of my kiddos had favorite PBS Kids shows and characters during their younger years. I know lots of children do!

Cue the nostalgia!

The PBS Kids website includes ebooks, apps, and episodes of favorite shows. There is a section for parents with parenting resources and tips on organizing kids’ activities as well as tips for planning birthday parties and celebrations.

A fun educational website packed with resources related to favorite PBS Kids characters.

3. Education.com

Pre-K – 8th grades – A variety of subjects

This site is a fantastic resource containing content from a wide variety of experienced educators.

It includes lesson plans, online games, and TONS of printable worksheets.

Organized and easy to navigate, this website is definitely worth checking out!

4. Fun Brain

Pre-K – 8th – Math & Language Arts

Since 1997, (Wow – that’s over a decade!) Fun Brain has offered educational online games, books, comics, and videos.

Their goal is to help kids develop strong skills in math, reading, and problem-solving skills while keeping learning fun and engaging.

A great resource for math and literacy development.

5. The Free Reading Program

K – 6th – Reading

This free online literacy program serves children and improves literacy by teaching fundamental skills and reinforcing these skills through activities. With 266 units and more than 3600 interactive learning activities, students begin learning at any level and progress when they are ready to move on.

While this program was originally developed for use in schools, it can easily be used by homeschoolers as well.

6. Khan Academy

All ages – A variety of subjects

Among the more well-known educational sites, Khan Academy is extremely user-friendly. New courses and resources for a wide age range and subjects are constantly being offered.

While Khan Academy does a wonderful job of partnering with many post-secondary schools, its resources are easily and successfully used by homeschoolers worldwide.

Chances are, Khan Academy has at least one course that will appeal to you or your child.

7. Cliffs Notes Study Guides

Tweens & Teens – A variety of subjects

When I was in middle school, I thought that using CliffsNotes was cheating. But they’re actually meant to enhance understanding and provide a great way to explore the bigger picture and review important details.

In other words, they are a really useful tool!

Lots of teachers have students use CliffsNotes by reading a chapter of a book or part of a play, and then they read the corresponding section in the CliffsNotes. In other words, it’s a great supplement!

And as a homeschooling mom, I recognize that there is no way I’m going to have the necessary time required to have my children read ALL of the books considered to be “Great Literature”. There simply isn’t enough time!

Having a resource like CliffsNotes available means that we can still explore summaries, themes, and important details of books even if we don’t have the time to read every single one. It’s a great way to enhance literary knowledge.

And not only does this site include literature notes, but it also provides assistance for a variety of other subjects including Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Economics (among many others).

It includes test prep and study guides too!

8. Crash Course Videos

Teens and up – A variety of subjects

Created by brothers John and Hank Green, Crash Course is an informative and entertaining plethora of educational videos covering an ABUNDANCE of subjects.

From World History and U.S. History to Sociology, Computer Science, Biology, Mythology, Economics, Philosophy, and Ecology, chances are if you’re looking for a subject, they’ve got it!

In fact, with so much content, it can feel overwhelming at first so begin by checking out the playlists to find which subject you’d like to start with.

Full Disclosure: I adore these guys. I happen to think they’re brilliant and generous, and that they’re doing some really great work in the world. And yes, John Green is the author of The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Turtles All the Way Down (among other titles) and Hank is the author of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing.

Personally, I would recommend these videos for high schoolers as some of the content isn’t appropriate for younger viewers. In the past, however, I’ve been comfortable using some of the content with my tweens. Obviously, this is your discretion!

Quick-paced, funny, and engaging. Wonderful for teens!

9. Cool Math for Kids

Ages 12 and under – Math

While Cool Math for Kids is geared for kids 12 and under (including lessons, games, etc), there is also Cool Math which is geared for ages 13+ and includes higher-level math from Algebra on up.

Cool Math Games is for all ages and provides challenging mental stimulation through logic and thinking games.

Chances are, one of these three sites will appeal to someone in your home!

10. Math-drills.com

Young kids – Teens (Addition through Geometry) – Math

This site offers TONS of free printable math worksheets!

It also includes online interactive games for a wide range of math topics and ages.

Wonderful resource if you’re looking for math worksheets to use to document progress.

11. digital history

3rd grade and up – U.S. History

This site includes TONS of information and historical data on U.S. history.

It includes an online textbook, timelines, movies, virtual exhibits, and other engaging resources.

An excellent resource for students studying U.S. history.

12. Duolingo

Proficient readers and up – Foreign Language

These short lessons include all sorts of games and quizzes which test your knowledge. You earn points for correct answers, proceed to the next level when you’ve mastered certain skills, and can set goals to achieve specific goals.

My children and I have been using it for a couple of years to learn Spanish and my husband uses it for Italian.

Duolingo is fun and addictive!

13. Smithsonian Institute – Online Resources

All ages – a wide variety of subjects

Perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Smithsonian Institute in person. Comprising 19 museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo, it can feel overwhelming even knowing where to start!

And it’s FREE admission!

But when traveling to Washington DC is not an option, we’re still fortunate enough to be able to access an incredible amount of rich content online. Resources for kids, educators, and researchers include a variety of live video streams, games, activities, quizzes, and apps.

SO much incredible content!

14. The Monterey Bay Aquarium

All ages – Marine Science and Conservation

Full Disclosure: This is my local aquarium and I am a super fan! My mom has volunteered here for over a decade and both of my children are involved in their tween and teen programs. So yes, I happen to be biased!

If you’re ever in the Monterey area, you MUST visit the aquarium!

But when visiting in person isn’t realistic, there are plenty of games and activities you can access online!

And from the super-popular sea otter and penguin live cams, to the aviary, coral reef, jellies, kelp forest, open sea, and Monterey Bay, be sure to hop over to these live webcams to check in on your favorite marine animals and environments.

This is an ideal online resource for Marine Science!

15. California Academy of Sciences

All ages – Science

Another gem located a couple of hours from where I live, the California Academy of Sciences also provides a ton of fantastic online resources through apps, videos, and other interactive resources.

Another excellent online site to add to your “go-to” science resources.

16. Kids’ Money

This is a newer resource to me and one that I’m excited to recommend!

Kids’ Money reached out to me after reading this post to see if I would consider adding their site to my list of free resources. After reviewing what they have to offer, I was happy to include it.

Kids’ Money has been around since 1995. The site is user-friendly and super simple to navigate. Resources are available for pre-K through college age, and even include a section for parents and teachers. The focus is on how to save, earn, spend, and share in effective and responsible ways.

My husband and I have always recognized the importance of teaching our children financial literacy and I’m pleased to encourage my readers to check out these resources.

You’re never too young, (or too old!) to improve your financial literacy and as a result, your quality of life and peace of mind!

17. Reelgood

Reelgood is a super helpful site where you can search for shows and movies to see where they are streaming. It also lets you know if what you’re looking for is available to watch for free.

I think about the hours I’ve likely spent searching for a specific show or movie and not finding it on one of our streaming services. Other times I paid to watch something only to find out later that it was available for free! Ugh.

Reelgood is completely FREE to use. It will help you stay organized and efficient. I’m telling you, this can be a huge time saver!

Be sure to check out Realgood anytime you’re planning to watch something!

in summary, here are your 16 free online resources for homeschooling:

1. Sesame Street (young kids – a wide range of subjects)
2. PBS Kids (young kids – a wide range of subjects)
3. Education.com (pre-K-8th – wide range of subjects)
4. Fun Brain (pre-K-8th – wide-range of subjects)
5. The Free Reading Program (K-6th grade – Reading)
6. Khan Academy (all ages – wide range of subjects)
7. Cliffs Notes Study Guides (tweens and teens – a wide range of subjects)
8. Crash Course (teens and up… you might be comfortable with your tweens watching as well but please view content first – a wide range of subjects)
9. Cool Math for Kids (ages 12 and under – Math)
10. Math-Drills.com (young kids – teens – Math)
11. Digital History (3rd grade – History)
12. Duolingo (proficient readers and up – Foreign Language)
13. Smithsonian Institute (all ages – wide range of subjects)
14. Monterey Bay Aquarium (all ages – Marine Science and Conservation)
15. California Academy of Sciences (all ages – Science)
16. Kids’ Money (all ages – Financial Literacy)
17. Realgood (all ages – use for guidance when you’re going to watch a show or movie)

If you’re looking for additional homeschooling resources, broken down by age, head to the following blog posts:

• Best Homeschooling Curriculum for Elementary School
• Best Homeschooling Curriculum for Middle School
• Best Homeschooling Curriculum for High School

And once you’ve checked out these 15 fantastic FREE online resources for homeschooling, be sure to head over to How to Homeschool on a Budget, for great tips on how to create a thriving homeschooling environment even when finances are tight!