Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)
Education is changing. There's more openness to seeing the educational value of a video game, and more resistance to rigid models of learning that bore kids and reinforce national standards (not children’s preferences(. This openness is reflected in the most popular programs kids are using today.
I tend to thinks think kids have a natural inclination to learn and are attracted to activities that support their natural curiosity. But sometimes, a program can be popular because it has deliberately built-in addictive mechanisms that are designed to hook users. This can be dangerous for a young, developing mind sensitive to this type of mind. Some programs are popular because they have big marketing budgets and have forged partnerships with governments and local school districts (but do poorly when it comes to engaging kids or foster deeping learning (a key of example of this is the reading programs that pervaded US schools, but have come under criticism due to their failure to align with the science of reading).
The following 34 programs receive at least one million searches every single month in the US alone, and up to 89M globally.
In order to evaluate these programs, we analyzed reviews of homeschooling parents and teachers who used them, and evaluated their educational value based on 15 key criteria.
Evaluation Criteria for Educational Programs
to their overall educational value. At Modulo, we use a comprehensive evaluation system that scores programs on a scale of 1 to 150, ensuring a thorough assessment of both positive and negative aspects. This scoring system empowers parents, educators, and homeschooling families to make informed decisions about the best educational tools for their children.
Our framework prioritizes the needs and desires of children, focusing on what is truly educational rather than adhering to rigid standards or exploiting manipulative, addictive mechanisms. We emphasize innovation, effective pedagogy, and 21st-century skills over traditional school standards, ensuring true engagement rather than addiction. Below, we outline the criteria used to evaluate each program, providing a clear and authoritative framework for assessing their quality and effectiveness.
Families seeking to understand our score further can follow the link in the title or corresponding image to read a detailed review and score breakdown.
Overall Educational Value Score (1 out of 150)
Positive Score (1 out of 10)
Uniqueness (1-10): Assesses the creativity, innovation, and originality of the program. A score of 10 represents a groundbreaking approach to learning with no comparable alternatives, such as Roblox, Minecraft, Chrome Music Lab, and Google Earth.
Engagement (1-10): Evaluates how enjoyable the program is for children, based on both direct feedback from kids and parental observations.
Accuracy (1-10): Measures the scientific accuracy and reliability of the information provided. This includes checking for errors, typos, and adherence to scientific understanding.
User-Friendliness (1-10): Rates how intuitive and easy to navigate the program is for users of all ages, including the absence of bugs and technical issues.
Pedagogy (1-10): Judges the effectiveness of the program in teaching children. This includes how well the creators understand and cater to different developmental stages and their communication strategies.
Homeschooling (1-10): Based on reviews from homeschooling parents, this criterion assesses how suitable, enjoyable, and user-friendly the program is for use in a homeschooling environment.
Learning Focus (1-10): Determines the program's emphasis on deep, high-quality learning rather than merely preparing students for school tests and exams.
Personalization (1-10): Examines the program's ability to be customized to meet individual learning needs and its effectiveness with a diverse range of learners.
Special Needs (1-10): Evaluates how well the program accommodates children with learning disabilities such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Value (1-10): Assesses the affordability of the program relative to its educational benefits.
Negative Score (-1 out of -10)
Boredom (1-10): Penalizes programs that rely on traditional, uninspiring learning models, leading to children being bored and participating only because their teacher requires it.
Addictive Components (1-10): Deductions for programs with addictive elements that negatively impact children, based on parent feedback about difficulty in limiting usage. It can be challenging to distinguish between addictive and engaging. An addictive program may have high entertainment value, but do little to encourage skills like grit (pushing past obstacles) or creativity. Check your child’s energy level after they use this program. Are they happy and active, or do they get easily upset and feel sick to their stomach. This can be a guage of engagement vs. addiction.
Violence (1-10): Points are deducted for the presence of any violent content, such as guns or blood. This also covers material that may be unnecessarily traumatic for young children, from our understanding of developmental psychology. Some parents let their kids watch horror movies at four, and we don’t judge that choice. Each child learns differently and processes information in dfiferent ways. While we encourage parents to be authentic and not hide difficult subject matters from children, children do have developing minds, and parents, not video games should discern when they are ready to process it.
Unhealthy Competition (1-10): Programs that foster unhealthy competition and cause distress among children will be penalized.
Excessive Prioritization of School Standards (1-10): Deducts points from programs that concentrate excessively on helping children meet school standards and perform well on standardized exams, rather than promoting deep, meaningful learning.
The 34 Most Popular Educational Programs for Kids (in order of google search volume)
You might be surprised by what we’ve deemed educational, ranging from snake games (which can teach hand-eye coordination) to the more formal IXL adaptive learning program, catered to school standards.
So what do you think? Are these programs educational or merely addictive? Are they actually engaging for kids, or forced down their throats by skills to meet learning standards? Here, we delve into each program, examining its educational value based on reviews from homeschooling parents. Each program is assessed for its educational content, fun factor, innovation, and the skills it teaches.
To understand our educational value score, follow the link in the progam title where we break down each program by each criteria.
Please share your comments and experience in the comments so we can all engage in this conversation together.
1. Roblox
Overall Educational Value Score: 64
Global Monthly Search Volume: 89.31M
About
Roblox is a versatile online platform where users can create and share their own games. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among players. The platform's educational value lies in its ability to teach coding, game design, and digital citizenship through hands-on experience.
Explanation of Score:
Roblox scores well in engagement, uniqueness, and educational value. However, the potential for addictive behavior and exposure to inappropriate content are significant concerns. Parents should balance Roblox use with other educational activities and maintain oversight to maximize its benefits.
2. Kahoot!
Overall Educational Value Score: 67
Global Monthly Search Volume: 25.83M
About Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform used as educational technology in schools and other educational institutions. Its learning games, called "Kahoots," are user-generated multiple-choice quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot! app.
Explanation of Score: Kahoot! is highly praised for its engaging and interactive learning approach. It is user-friendly and allows for personalized quizzes, making it a favorite among homeschooling parents. However, the competitive nature of the platform and occasional technical issues slightly affect its overall score.
3. Google Classroom
Overall Educational Value Score: 71
Global Search Volume: 23.33M
About
Google Classroom is a free web service for schools, non-profits, and anyone with a personal Google account. It streamlines the process of sharing files between teachers and students, making it easier to manage and distribute assignments, feedback, and grades.
Explanation of Score:
Google Classroom achieved a score of 71 due to its user-friendliness, engagement, and cost-effectiveness. Its minor weaknesses include the potential for boredom and an excessive focus on school standards. Overall, it is a valuable tool for organizing and managing educational activities.
4. Blooket
Overall Educational Value Score: 62
Global Monthly Search Volume: 20.64M
About
Blooket is an online platform that offers a variety of games and quizzes designed to make learning fun and interactive. It is highly praised for its engaging and innovative approach, which is particularly suited for a homeschooling environment. The platform allows teachers and parents to create custom content that aligns with their educational goals.
Explanation of Score:
Blooket scores high for its engagement and innovative learning approach, making it a favorite among homeschooling parents. However, concerns about potential addiction and occasional technical issues slightly reduce its overall score. Proper guidelines and monitoring can help mitigate these concerns, making Blooket a valuable educational tool.
5. Quillbot
Overall Educational Value Score = 59/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 16.97M
About
Quillbot is an AI-powered paraphrasing tool that helps students improve their writing by suggesting rephrased sentences and alternative vocabulary.
Explanation of Score:
Quillbot scores well for its ability to enhance writing skills and improve vocabulary. However, reliance on AI for paraphrasing may limit the development of original writing skills. It is a useful tool when used as a supplement to traditional writing exercises. This score reflects its strengths in user-friendliness, engagement, and versatility for various writing tasks, balanced against limitations in handling long texts and its limited support for non-English languages.
6. Minecraft
OverallEducationalValueScore = 76/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 13.39M
Minecraft Club with Elvin
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About
Minecraft is a sandbox game that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Its educational value is high, especially with the use of educational mods and guided activities. Minecraft: Education Edition includes classroom-specific tools, lesson plans across various subjects, and promotes visual and immersive learning experiences that traditional textbooks cannot match.
Explanation of Score:
Minecraft scores high in overall educational value due to its uniqueness, engagement, and suitability for homeschooling. The few negatives, such as potential for addiction and mild fantasy violence, are manageable with proper guidelines and controls. Overall, Minecraft is a valuable educational tool that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative learning.
7. Google Earth
Overall Educational Value Score: 84
Global Monthly Search Volume: 9.69M
About
Google Earth is an exceptional educational tool, offering unique, engaging, and accurate learning experiences across a wide range of subjects. It provides interactive and immersive educational content.
Explanation of Score:
Google Earth scores high in educational value due to its interactive and immersive nature. However, the potential for overuse and the need for balanced screen time are considerations. It is a highly valuable resource for diverse learners.
8. Cool Math Games
Overall Educational Value Score: 52/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 9.14M
About
Cool Math Games offers a variety of math-related games aimed at making learning math fun and engaging. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and free access, making it an attractive option for supplementing homeschool curricula.
Explanation of Score:
Cool Math Games scores positively for its unique approach to math education. However, concerns about the potential for addictive use and inconsistent educational depth slightly reduce its overall score. It is a useful tool for making math practice enjoyable but should be used in conjunction with other resources for a comprehensive education.
9. Epic Games
Overall Educational Value Score = 60/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 8.97M
About
Epic Games, particularly through its Unreal Engine, offers a highly engaging and unique educational tool for homeschooling, focusing on creativity, problem-solving, and advanced technological skills.
Explanation of Score:
Epic Games scores well for its emphasis on creativity and problem-solving. However, concerns regarding potential addiction and exposure to violence in games like Fortnite reduce its overall score. It remains a valuable educational tool when used responsibly.
10. Crazy Games
Overall Educational Value Score: 61/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 8.5M
About
Crazy Games offers a wide range of online games, including educational ones. Its diverse content is engaging, though not all games have significant educational value.
Explanation of Score:
Crazy Games receives a mixed score due to its engaging content balanced against drawbacks like potential addiction and limited deep learning opportunities. It is best used with parental guidance to select appropriate educational games.
11. Duolingo
Overall Educational Value Score: 61/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 7.88M
About
Duolingo offers language learning through a gamified approach, making it highly engaging and user-friendly.
Explanation of Score:
Duolingo scores high for its innovative gamified approach and engagement levels. However, the lack of writing practice and personalization, as well as potential distractions from heavy gamification, reduce its overall score. It remains a valuable tool for language learning with proper oversight.
12. Snake Game
Educational Value Score: 56/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 7.74M
About
The term "snake game" refers to a variety of games centered around controlling a growing snake to consume items and avoid collisions. This classic game, originating in 1976, has evolved into numerous versions like Slither.io and Snake.io.
Explanation of Score:
Snake Games offer a fun and engaging way for children to develop cognitive skills, such as strategic thinking and reaction time. However, the potential for addictive behavior and the lack of educational depth slightly reduce its overall score. Parental monitoring is recommended to ensure balanced usage.
13. Prodigy
Overall Educational Value Score: 56/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 7.6M
About
Prodigy offers a unique and engaging platform for practicing math skills, making it an attractive option for supplementing homeschool education. It integrates gamification to motivate students, though this can sometimes distract from deep learning. The premium membership model may also create inequities among students.
Explanation of Score:
Prodigy scores well for its engagement and innovative approach to math education. However, its reliance on gamification and premium membership model slightly reduce its overall score. It remains a valuable tool for keeping children engaged and practicing math, especially when used alongside other educational resources.
14. Sudoku
Educational Value Score = 72/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 6.72M
About
Sudoku is a logic-based number placement puzzle that offers a range of cognitive benefits, such as enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills.
Explanation of Score:
Sudoku scores high for its cognitive benefits, including improving concentration, attention to detail, and cognitive flexibility. It is particularly effective at boosting short-term memory and relieving stress by providing a mentally stimulating activity. Its educational value is significant, though it does not directly teach subject-specific knowledge.
15. Epic!
Educational Value Score: 69/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 8.04M
About
Epic! is an extensive digital library for children, promoting reading and literacy skills by providing access to thousands of books. Its educational value is high, encouraging a love for reading and learning through exploration.
Explanation of Score:
Epic! scores well for its vast library and engagement tools. However, concerns about cost, minor addictive elements, and competitive aspects slightly reduce its overall score. It remains a valuable tool for fostering reading habits in children.
16. Quizlet
Overall Educational Value Score: 64/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 4.11M
About
Quizlet offers engaging and interactive study tools, making it a highly valued resource for homeschooling families. Its customization options and ease of use contribute significantly to its high scores in user-friendliness and engagement.
Explanation of Score:
Quizlet garners strong positive reception for its user-friendliness and interactive nature. However, concerns about the accuracy of user-generated content and potential addictive use slightly detract from its overall score. It is a highly effective tool when used with appropriate oversight.
17. Scratch
Overall Educational Value Score: 78/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 5.35M
About
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where children can create their own interactive stories, games, and animations.
Explanation of Score:
Scratch scores high for its unique and engaging approach to teaching coding, accessibility, and ability to foster creativity and critical thinking. The primary drawbacks are related to its lack of structured progression and occasional addictive tendencies. Overall, it is an excellent tool for introducing children to programming.
18. Geometry Dash
Overall Educational Value Score: 54/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 5.34M
About
Geometry Dash is a rhythm-based game that involves navigating through levels while avoiding obstacles. It is engaging and unique but can be addictive and frustrating.
Explanation of Score:
Geometry Dash scores high in engagement and uniqueness but faces deductions for addictive components and potential frustration. It can be a fun and challenging game with proper monitoring and limits.
19. Gimkit
Overall Educational Value Score: 62/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 5.33M
About
Gimkit allows students to earn virtual money by answering questions correctly, effectively combining learning with gaming. It is primarily focused on reviewing material rather than introducing new content.
Explanation of Score:
Gimkit scores positively for its engaging and innovative approach to learning through gamification. The platform promotes active participation but relies heavily on the quality of questions. Concerns about overemphasis on competition and potential addictive components are noted.
20. Quizizz
Overall Educational Value Score = 76/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 4.5M
About
Quizizz is an engaging and interactive platform for creating and participating in quizzes, making it a highly effective educational tool for homeschooling.
Explanation of Score:
Quizizz scores high for its engaging and interactive nature, accurate content, and user-friendly interface. Minor improvements in advanced personalization and support for special needs could further enhance its value.
21. Google News
Overall Educational Value Score: 57/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 4.4M
About
Google News aggregates news from various sources, making it a valuable tool for teaching media literacy and critical thinking through exposure to diverse news perspectives.
Explanation of Score:
Google News scores well for its potential to teach critical thinking and media literacy, especially for older students. Active parental involvement is required to ensure content appropriateness and to maximize educational potential.
22. Khan Academy
Overall Educational Score: 61/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 3.95M
About
Khan Academy offers comprehensive and free educational content, covering a wide range of subjects through video-based lessons and interactive exercises.
Explanation of Score:
Khan Academy scores well for its comprehensive content and accessibility. However, its video-based format can become monotonous, and the pressure from its scoring system may stress some students. It is particularly valuable for independent learners and those who benefit from flexible learning schedules.
23. Desmos
Overall Educational Value Score: 68
Global Monthly Search Volume: 3.81M
About
Desmos is a highly effective and innovative tool for math education, particularly well-suited for homeschooling environments. Its strengths lie in its interactive, visual approach and ability to personalize learning experiences.
Explanation of Score:
Desmos excels in many areas, including its interactive and visual approach to math education. However, there is room for improvement in user-friendliness for advanced features and accommodation for special needs.
24. ABCya
Overall Educational Value Score: 73/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 29.6M
About
ABCya provides educational games and activities for elementary students, focusing on various subjects. It excels in engagement, accuracy, and suitability for homeschooling.
Explanation of Score:
ABCya scores well for its engaging and reliable educational content. Areas for improvement include further customization for special needs and reducing repetitive or competitive aspects. Overall, it is a robust educational platform.
25. NYT Wordle
Overall Score = 67/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.87M
About
NYT Wordle is a daily word puzzle game that is highly engaging and educational, particularly effective in enhancing vocabulary and critical thinking.
Explanation of Score:
NYT Wordle scores well for its simplicity and daily format, making it a valuable addition to any homeschooling curriculum. It could benefit from more customization options to better serve diverse learning needs and special requirements.
26. Mathway
Overall Educational Value Score = 69 /100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.85M
About
Mathway offers a unique feature set with its camera input for solving math problems and covers a wide range of topics from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.
Explanation of Score:
Mathway scores well for its innovative features and wide topic coverage. However, it sometimes focuses too much on problem-solving without contextual learning, which slightly reduces its overall score. It is a useful tool for understanding math concepts, especially when used alongside other educational resources.
27. Math Playground
OverallEducationalValueScore = 55/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.7M
About
Math Playground offers a variety of interactive math games designed for K-6 students. The platform is celebrated for its engaging content and ability to make math practice enjoyable.
Explanation of Score:
Math Playground scores positively for its engaging and fun approach to math education. However, drawbacks related to user-friendliness and depth of content coverage reduce its overall score. It is an effective tool for practicing problem-solving skills, but it should be supplemented with other resources for comprehensive learning.
28. Schoology
Overall Educational Value Score = 62 /100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.37M
About
Schoology offers a comprehensive and versatile learning management system (LMS) appreciated for its integration capabilities, user-friendliness, and collaborative features.
Explanation of Score:
Schoology scores positively for its user-friendliness and collaborative features. However, some users find its interface overwhelming and report occasional technical issues. It remains a strong tool for managing and delivering educational content effectively.
29. 2048
Overall Educational Value Score: 64/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.07M
About
2048 is a sliding puzzle game that involves combining numbered tiles to reach the 2048 tile. It is highly addictive and enjoyable, though its educational value is somewhat limited.
Explanation of Score:
2048 scores well for its ability to develop strategic thinking, planning, and basic arithmetic skills. However, it lacks depth in educational content and does not provide comprehensive learning opportunities beyond its specific puzzle mechanics. It is best used as a recreational activity rather than a primary educational tool.
30. Drift Boss
Overall Score: 50/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 2.05M
About
Drift Boss is a fun and engaging car drifting game with limited educational value.
Explanation of Score:
Drift Boss scores low for educational value due to its primary focus on entertainment. While it can develop basic strategic thinking and hand-eye coordination, it lacks depth in educational content. It is best enjoyed as a recreational activity rather than a learning tool.
31. Nearpod
Overall Educational Value: 55/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 1.77
About
Nearpod offers a unique blend of interactivity, engagement, and accurate content, providing a dynamic and personalized learning experience.
Explanation of Score:
Nearpod scores well for its interactivity and engagement. However, an overemphasis on aligning with school standards and assessments might detract from focusing on exploratory and creative learning. Overall, it supports a personalized learning experience that caters to various educational needs.
32. IXL
Overall Educational Value Score: 74 /100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 1.57M
About
IXL offers personalized learning in math, language arts, science, and social studies, providing comprehensive content that is aligned with school curricula.
Explanation of Score:
IXL scores high for its engaging and accurate content, user-friendly interface, and robust pedagogy. However, potential addictive components and a perceived overemphasis on school standards slightly detract from its overall value. It is a valuable tool for comprehensive learning with balanced use.
33. Nitro Type
Overall Educational Value Score: 62/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 1.45M
About
Nitro Type offers a unique and engaging approach to teaching typing skills through competitive racing games, keeping children motivated and entertained.
Explanation of Score:
Nitro Type scores well for its intuitive interface and suitability for independent learning. The competitive nature of the platform can lead to unhealthy behaviors and addiction concerns, and it may not fully cater to children with special needs. Its focus on practical typing skills over standardized test preparation might not meet all parents' expectations.
34. Delta Math
Overall Educational Value Score: 82/100
Global Monthly Search Volume: 1.12M
About
Delta Math provides a comprehensive math program that balances rigorous educational content with user-friendly features, making it a valuable tool for homeschoolers.
Explanation of Score:
Delta Math scores high for its rigorous content and user-friendly features. Some areas where engagement and interface usability could be improved are noted, but overall it is a strong educational tool for a comprehensive math program.
Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)
For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.
Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.
I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.
I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.
During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.
I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.
In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.
My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.
My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.
I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.
In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.
And I love to learn!
