10 Free Online Homeschool Resources

published on 27 September 2024

Looking for free homeschool resources? Here's a quick rundown of 10 top options:

  1. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool: Complete K-8 curriculum
  2. Khan Academy: Video lessons and practice for all subjects
  3. Ambleside Online: Literature-based Charlotte Mason curriculum
  4. CK-12: Customizable digital textbooks
  5. The Good and the Beautiful: Free language arts for grades 1-5
  6. Discovery K12: Pre-K to 12th grade online curriculum
  7. Duolingo: Free language learning app
  8. PBS LearningMedia: Educational videos and interactive lessons
  9. Starfall: Reading and math for young learners
  10. 123homeschool4me: Printable worksheets and activities

Quick Comparison:

Resource Grades Subjects Key Feature
Easy Peasy K-8 All Complete curriculum
Khan Academy K-College All Self-paced video lessons
Ambleside Online K-12 Literature-focused Charlotte Mason method
CK-12 K-12 Math, Science, Social Studies Customizable content
Good and Beautiful 1-5 Language Arts Character-focused
Discovery K12 Pre-K-12 All 180 days of lessons
Duolingo All ages Languages Gamified learning
PBS LearningMedia K-12 All Aligned with standards
Starfall Pre-K-3 Reading, Math Interactive games
123homeschool4me Pre-K-8 All Printable worksheets

These free resources can help you create a solid homeschool setup without breaking the bank. Mix and match to find what works best for your family's needs and learning style.

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool is a free online curriculum for preschool through 8th grade. Homeschooling mom Lee Giles created it in 2011, offering 180 days of lessons across multiple subjects.

Here's what you need to know:

  • It covers reading, writing, math, history, science, Spanish, Bible, computer, music, art, PE/health, and logic
  • It's designed for preschool to 8th grade (with a separate high school site)
  • It's 100% free, but you can donate to support the My EP platform

The curriculum blends traditional and Charlotte Mason methods, using online resources and downloadable workbooks. You can use pre-made levels or mix-and-match subjects to fit your kid's needs.

Getting started is simple:

  1. Go to MyEPAssignments.com
  2. Make an account
  3. Set up your child's courses
  4. Let your child work independently by clicking assignment boxes

Pro tips:

  • Use Adblock Plus to block ads
  • Turn on YouTube's Restricted Mode
  • Take screenshots of completed online work for accountability

One parent said:

"Overall, it's an excellent program that we desperately needed for the years we used it. It was excellent academically, easy to use, and freed up so much of my time because of the independent work."

Easy Peasy isn't an accredited online school. But it's a solid homeschool resource that lets parents take charge of their kids' education.

2. Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online learning platform that's a game-changer for homeschoolers. It's packed with content for all ages, from kindergarten to college.

Here's what makes Khan Academy stand out:

  • It covers everything from math to computer programming
  • You get video lessons that break down tough concepts
  • There are practice problems with instant feedback
  • Parents can track their kid's progress
  • The platform adjusts to each student's learning pace

Khan Academy shines in three areas:

1. Math

Many homeschoolers use it as their main math curriculum. It's that good.

2. High school courses

Need AP courses? They've got you covered.

3. Test prep

Free SAT prep? Yes, please!

Getting started is a breeze:

  1. Create a free account
  2. Set up profiles for your kids
  3. Pick courses
  4. Make a schedule

But keep in mind:

  • It's not accredited and doesn't give out diplomas
  • It follows Common Core Standards (not everyone's cup of tea)
  • Science and English content for younger kids might be a bit thin

As Alex Hazlett from Mashable puts it:

"Khan Academy is an essential resource for homeschooling families. It's easy to use, relatively comprehensive, and free."

3. Ambleside Online

Ambleside Online

Ambleside Online (AO) is a free homeschool curriculum based on Charlotte Mason's methods. It covers Year 0 (ages 6 and under) to Year 12, with a rotating history focus.

What's AO all about?

  • It's PACKED with literature (lots of free, public domain books)
  • Covers all the basics: history, literature, poetry, geography, and science
  • Throws in some extras: Nature Study, Composer and Artist Study, Handicrafts, and Foreign language
  • You can tweak it to fit your family's needs

Want to dive in? Here's how:

  1. Check out the AO website
  2. Read their FAQ (trust me, it's helpful)
  3. Join the AO forum (you'll need the support)
  4. Start with Charlotte Mason's six-volume series (it's free on AO)

Now, here's the deal: AO is free, but you'll need to get your hands on the books. Don't worry, though. Many are:

  • Free online (public domain, baby!)
  • At your local library
  • Available secondhand
The Good The Not-So-Good
It's FREE Not accredited
Flex it to fit your needs You'll need to get Charlotte Mason's methods
Literature-rich Might need to buy some books
Community support No daily lesson plans

"AmblesideOnline is an awesome curriculum. I love the flexibility yet the academic rigor." - Amy S.

4. CK-12

CK-12 is a free online platform packed with resources for homeschoolers. It's got digital textbooks, interactive stuff, and content you can tweak for math, science, and social studies.

Here's what CK-12 brings to the table:

  • FlexBook 2.0: Make your own digital textbooks
  • Adaptive practice: Kids learn at their speed
  • Simulations: Hands-on learning experiences
  • Classes feature: Manage assignments and track progress

Parents can use CK-12 to:

  • Build custom learning plans
  • Give quizzes and see how kids are doing
  • Grab ready-made lesson plans
  • Tweak content to fit your kid's needs

Check out this quick comparison:

Feature What It Does Why It's Great for Homeschoolers
FlexBooks Custom digital textbooks Fit content to your kid
Adaptive Practice Personalized exercises Spots and fills knowledge gaps
PLIX Interactive simulations Makes learning hands-on
Classes Virtual classroom tools Easy assignment and progress tracking

One homeschool parent said:

"I use the physical science stuff with my 8th grader. They've added an AI Tutor called Flexi for basic science questions. It's a solid addition to your teaching toolkit."

Want to try CK-12? Here's how:

  1. Hit up the CK-12 website and sign up
  2. Check out the subjects and resources
  3. Set up your homeschool in the "Classes" feature
  4. Customize FlexBooks for your curriculum
  5. Assign work and keep tabs on your kid's progress

CK-12's free stuff can be a real game-changer for homeschoolers. Quality education without breaking the bank? Yes, please.

5. The Good and the Beautiful

The Good and the Beautiful

The Good and the Beautiful offers free homeschool resources that pack a punch. This curriculum blends character development with solid academics, meeting or beating most standards.

Here's the scoop:

  • Free PDF downloads for Language Arts Levels 1-5 and Marine Biology
  • Courses in language arts, math, science, and more
  • Many families save $2,000+ yearly compared to other programs

Their Language Arts curriculum is a hit, combining:

Subject What It Does
Reading Makes strong readers
Phonics Builds language basics
Grammar Boosts writing skills
Spelling Sharpens language use
Literature Introduces quality texts
Geography Mixes in other subjects
Art Sparks creativity

Parents love the "open-and-go" design. No teaching experience? No problem.

Jenny Phillips, the founder, says:

"No one should miss out on top-quality, faith-based homeschooling due to budget constraints."

Want to try it? Here's how:

1. Go to www.goodandbeautiful.com/free

2. Grab the free stuff for your kid's level

3. Use placement tests to find the right fit

4. Start with core curriculum, add extras as needed

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6. Discovery K12

Discovery K12 is a free online curriculum for homeschoolers from pre-K to 12th grade. Here's what makes it stand out:

  • Covers all main subjects
  • 180 days of pre-set lessons
  • Secular approach

The curriculum includes daily lessons in math, language arts, reading/literature, history/social studies, and science. It also offers less frequent lessons in physical education and visual/performing arts.

Parents can sign up at DiscoveryK12.com. Kids can work at different grade levels for each subject, but you'll need to adjust this manually each day.

The basic curriculum is free, but there's a $99/year upgrade that gives you:

  • Answer keys
  • Detailed reports
  • Tools to create transcripts and diplomas

Sheri Wells, CEO of Discovery K12, says:

"Our freemium business model allows us to provide the service to more children around the world who need access to curriculum."

The program now serves over 140,000 students in more than 75 countries. But keep in mind:

  1. Younger kids might need more help, especially with research tasks.
  2. It's not aligned with Common Core State Standards.
  3. You'll need to oversee your child's progress and keep records.

Discovery K12 also offers an ebook library and elective courses in Spanish, HTML coding, and health.

7. Duolingo

Duolingo's free language learning platform has caught the eye of many homeschoolers. Here's why:

It offers 30+ languages, from Spanish to Mandarin. The app uses fun, game-like exercises to keep kids hooked. And you can set daily goals to keep the learning consistent.

Duolingo's quick lessons fit easily into busy homeschool days. It covers all the basics: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

While it's free, there's a premium version at $6.99/month. It kills ads and adds extra features.

Homeschool Tips:

  1. Use Duolingo alongside other language resources
  2. Aim for daily 15-30 minute sessions
  3. Track progress with the classroom feature

"Duolingo is NOT a homeschool foreign language curriculum." - Language Educator

This quote nails it: Duolingo's great, but it shouldn't be your only language learning tool.

Pros and Cons:

Pros Cons
Free Lacks advanced skills
Easy to use Light on grammar
Quick feedback Misses cultural depth
Mobile and web Quality varies

For homeschoolers wanting to add a language, Duolingo's a solid start. But remember: it works best when mixed with other methods and real-world practice.

8. PBS LearningMedia

PBS LearningMedia

PBS LearningMedia is a goldmine for homeschoolers. It's FREE and packed with 20,000+ videos, lesson plans, and games that align with state and national standards.

What's in the box?

  • Stuff for all subjects (even world languages)
  • Interactive lessons you can do at your own pace
  • Some Spanish resources

PBS LearningMedia isn't just big - it's diverse. Check these out:

  • "Art School" for budding artists (K-13+)
  • "The Electric Company" for reading skills (grades 1-3)
  • "Get the Math" for algebra thinking (grades 7-10)

Parents dig it too. Sabrina D., a homeschool mom, says:

"It can be hard to be a homeschooling parent. You need as many resources as possible."

She uses PBS KIDS to keep her kids busy while she tackles other stuff.

Got older kids? Try "The Daily News Story" (grades 7-13+). It helps break down big news events.

Quick tips:

  1. Make a free account to save stuff and manage assignments
  2. Use videos to spice up your teaching
  3. Let kids do interactive lessons on their own

But here's the deal: PBS LearningMedia works best as part of a bigger plan. Mix it with hands-on activities and talks for a well-rounded education.

Pros Cons
Free Needs internet
Tons of subjects Can be a lot at first
Matches standards Not a full curriculum
Interactive stuff Not much advanced material

Bottom line: PBS LearningMedia is a solid tool for homeschoolers. It's free, diverse, and comes from a name you can trust in education.

9. Starfall

Starfall

Starfall makes learning to read fun for kids. It's a free online platform packed with games, videos, and books.

What's in it?

  • ABCs to full sentences
  • Basic math and shapes
  • Games that teach
  • Printable worksheets

It's great for homeschoolers, kids who struggle with learning, and those learning English.

"Everything on this site is bright, colourful, interactive, and entertaining. They love to search for the little hidden secrets of the animation." - Lisa Marie Fletcher, author and homeschooler

Quick facts:

  • Started: 2002
  • Ages: Pre-K to Grade 5
  • Free and paid options
Free Stuff Paid Stuff ($35/year)
Learn-to-read basics Everything on the site
Lots of games Mobile app
Some math Advanced materials

How to use it:

  1. Start with ABCs for little ones
  2. Check out free printables in the Parent-Teacher Center
  3. Let kids explore - it's safe and easy

The free version is solid, but $35/year gets you everything. Not sure? Try the 30-day free trial.

10. 123homeschool4me

123homeschool4me

123homeschool4me is a homeschooling powerhouse. Founded by Beth Gorden in 2011, it's packed with free printables and educational stuff for kids from preschool to 8th grade.

Here's what makes it stand out:

  • A MASSIVE library (we're talking over 1 million worksheets)
  • Covers everything from math to history
  • Super easy to find what you need

Check out this breakdown:

What You'll Find The Scoop
Worksheets Printable goodies for all subjects
Games Make learning fun (yes, it's possible)
Activities Hands-on stuff to keep kids engaged
Homeschool Forms All the boring-but-necessary paperwork
Themed Materials Seasonal fun to spice things up

Want to dive in? It's easy:

  1. Head to the website
  2. Pick your subject or grade
  3. Click and print

Most of it's free, but they've got some premium bundles starting at $1.99 if you want to level up.

Parents and teachers love it. With a 3.9 out of 5 score from users, it's a solid bet for your educational toolkit.

Wrap-up

We've covered 10 free online homeschool resources to boost your kids' education without spending a dime. Here's a quick rundown of what each offers:

Resource What's Cool About It
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool Full curriculum, no strings attached
Khan Academy Tons of courses, learn at your own pace
Ambleside Online Faith-based, follows Charlotte Mason's ideas
CK-12 Digital textbooks you can tweak
The Good and the Beautiful Big on books
Discovery K12 100+ courses, loads of assignments
Duolingo Learn languages, have fun
PBS LearningMedia Videos, games, and more
Starfall Great for little kids' reading and math
123homeschool4me Printable worksheets galore

These tools let you shape your kid's learning journey. But here's the deal:

  • Don't try to do everything at once
  • Set up a spot just for studying
  • Mix screen time with hands-on stuff
  • Keep tabs on how your kid's doing

With these free resources, you can create a solid homeschool setup. They're flexible, so your kid can learn at their own speed.

"Good education isn't just about acing tests. It's about raising happy, confident kids who know a lot about a lot of things."

This sums up what homeschooling's all about. These resources help you focus on your kid's overall growth, not just grades.

As you dive into homeschooling, remember: every family's different. Mix these resources to find your perfect blend. The goal? Create a learning environment that clicks with your kid and gets them excited about learning.

FAQs

What is the best free homeschooling online program?

There's no single "best" free online homeschooling program. It depends on your needs. Here are some top options:

Program Highlights
Khan Academy K-college, self-paced, videos + exercises
Easy Peasy All-in-One K-8 curriculum, Christian-based
Ambleside Online Literature-focused, Charlotte Mason method
The Good and the Beautiful Free Language Arts (levels 1-5)

Khan Academy excels in math and science. Ambleside Online is great for literature lovers. Easy Peasy offers a complete curriculum. The Good and the Beautiful provides solid language arts.

Mix and match these resources to fit your family's needs. And don't forget to check your state's homeschooling laws!

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