Many schools in countries around the world have had to close temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. Recognizing the enormous impact this situation has on school communities, many educational apps, subscriptions, and websites have started offering free access.
If your school hasn’t provided a lot of direction, check out this list of educational companies sharing subscriptions during school outages.
Here are fifteen FREE tools geared toward middle and high school students that will help you maintain your kids’ education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*There are a variety of excellent educational options for elementary-aged students, as well!
RELATED RESOURCE: How to realistically prepare for school closing — and not go crazy
1. Khan Academy
Website | Always free!
Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers. Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.
Additional resources for parents from Khan Academy:
- Parent Quick Start Guide
- As a parent, how can I use Khan Academy to support my child’s learning during a school closure? Frequently Asked Questions about School Closures
- A free webinar for parents is taking place Wednesday, March 18, at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT. Recordings will be available for those who can not attend.
2. CK12
Website | Always free!
A great collection of ‘always free’ educational opportunities (science, math, social studies, photography) for kids of all ages. Each lesson has a reading passage, videos, optional review questions, and self-graded practice questions. It is available for use by schools, but individuals can use lessons too!
3. Fiveable | Free AP Resources
Website | Always free!
When students are surrounded by passionate teachers and robust resources, they can achieve anything. With technology, we can smash barriers by connecting students and teachers through content and live events. Our goal is to create inclusive and social learning experiences where all students are invited to learn with us for free.
4. Libby
Website | Always free!
Did you know your local library has thousands of ebooks and audiobooks? You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand. Get the free app for your phone or tablet, sign up with your library card, and start reading.
5. Braingenie
Website | Always free!
Braingenie™ builds deep mastery and sharpens problem-solving skills in math and science (Grades 1-12).
6. Seneca
Website | Always free resources!
Seneca’s smart learning algorithms are proven to make students remember topics better. If you get a question wrong, we’ll show you the content again but in a different format. We’ll even do it at a time when it’s optimal for you to learn it. We’ve also hand-selected the best GIFs and memes on the internet so revision makes you laugh instead of stressed. Search by grade level — middle school, high school, ACT/SAT prep!
7. TED Talks
Website | Always free!
TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 110 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.
8. izzit
Website | Always free!
Izzit offers FREE educational materials to teachers, homeschoolers, parents, grandparents, scout troop leaders – to anyone interested in learning/teaching! They believe that education can enhance the power of individuals to solve problems for themselves, their families, communities, and society at large.
9. PBS Learning
Website | Always free!
PBS Wisconsin and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for you. Browse by subject and by grade (PreK to Highschool).
10. Brain Pop
Website | Free subscription info for closed school districts
BrainPop hosts over 1,000 short animated movies for students in grades K-12 (ages 6 to 17), together with quizzes and related materials, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, math, engineering and technology, health, arts, and music. The animated movies engage via narrative, humor, and characters who speak in a voice that kids can relate to, encouraging self-directed learning and further exploration of the world around them.
11. TED Series
Website | Always free!
Feed your curiosity with new TED series that go deeper into fascinating topics — from the everyday objects that changed the world, to cutting-edge neuroscience on a shoestring budget.
12. CMU CS Academy
Website | Always free!
We provide free, online, interactive computer science curriculum for high schools that is engaging, creative, rigorous and fun. CS Academy also includes teacher training, an online interactive textbook, online technical support and more!
13. TypingClub
Website | Always free!
TypingClub is the most effective way to learn how to type. It is web-based and highly effective. TypingClub is (and will always be) free for both individuals and schools.
14. SmartMusic
Website | Free Subscription Info
SmartMusic is a web-based suite of music education tools that support efficient practice, helping musicians to develop and grow. This paid educational site is currently offering free subscriptions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. Vidcode
Website | Request school district access
Vidcode courses teach computer science, object-oriented programming, web programming, design, & JavaScript. The magic behind Vidcode has an academic term – computational media! This means learners can upload photos, illustrations, videos, and audio – and manipulate them with code right away, allowing tweens and teens to connect computer programming to the media they interact with every day.
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How to realistically prepare for school closing — and not go crazy
You’ve likely received a district warning that this is a possibility, or perhaps your school has already been shut down. Here are ten tips for how to realistically prepare for school closings.