Khan Academy Kids

by Khan Academy (website )

A high-quality, free, gamified learning app for ages 2-8 covering early reading, writing, math, and social-emotional skills.

Best Fit For

Families looking for a free, high-quality digital supplement for preschool and kindergarten that encourages independent learning.

Not Recommended For

Families seeking a strictly screen-free education or a comprehensive core curriculum for students beyond the 2nd grade.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Khan Academy Kids as a high-quality educational tool that offers a calm and research-informed alternative to typical children's media. Modulo notes that the app avoids the overstimulating and shallow nature of many early learning games by providing a story-rich environment focused on pre-literacy, math, and social-emotional skills for ages two to seven. The Nova School characterizes the platform as edutainment that lacks the hectic aesthetic found in many kids' shows, noting its value as a free resource created by ambitious educators. While StarredIn considers the app one of the best foundational tools for early math and reading, it encourages parents to balance the adaptive digital path with physical literacy experiences. This suggestion addresses the potential concern of relying solely on a digital interface for early childhood development.

How It Works

A child typically starts their session by tapping the 'Learning Path' button, which delivers a sequence of lessons across math, reading, and logic tailored to their progress. Alternatively, the child can browse a vast library of interactive books, videos, and creative tools at their own pace. A typical session lasts 15-20 minutes, requiring no physical materials other than a tablet or smartphone. Parents can use the dashboard to view progress or assign specific lessons from the library.

Switching to This?

There is no formal placement test; instead, the app asks for the child's age/grade level during setup and adjusts based on their initial performance. Families can start at any point in the year and easily switch from other apps like ABCmouse by simply selecting the child's current grade level. If a child finds it too easy, parents can manually adjust the grade level higher in the settings.

Curriculum Details

Price
$0

The app is 100% free with no ads or subscriptions.

Grades
PRE-K - 2
Available As
Digital Mobile App
Coverage
All subjects

Pacing
Self-paced
Parent Time
5-15 min/day
Student Independence
Semi-independent

Academic Level
Grade level
Worldview
Neutral
Teach Multiple Ages
Yes
Engaging for Reluctant Learners
Yes

Reviews We Consulted

Highly recommends the app as a research-backed, "story-rich" alternative to the typical overstimulating and shallow early learning games currently on the market.

"Khan Academy Kids stands out as a free, research-informed app that weaves pre-literacy, early math, and social-emotional learning into a calm, story-rich environment for ages 2–7."

Praises the app as a premier foundational tool for math and reading, but encourages parents to balance its adaptive digital path with physical literacy experiences.

"Khan Academy Kids is a free, ad-free educational app for children ages 2 to 8, covering math, reading, and social-emotional skills... It is widely considered one of the best foundational tools for early childhood education today."

Characterizes the app as high-quality "edutainment" that provides significant educational value without the hectic, overstimulating aesthetic found in most children's media.

"It’s also not as hectic as many kids’ shows. It’s also free, which is awesome, and its creators are obviously very clever and ambitious people with a genuine passion for kids’ education."

Updated: April 2026

How This Compares

ABCmouse offers a more elaborate virtual world but requires a monthly subscription, whereas Khan Academy Kids is entirely free. Starfall focuses more heavily on phonics and traditional aesthetics, while Khan Academy Kids uses a modern, character-driven animation style. Duolingo ABC is narrower in scope (reading only), whereas Khan Academy Kids includes math, logic, and social-emotional learning.

Getting Started

See What It Looks Like

Printable activity packets for off-screen learning · khankids.zendesk.com

Offers downloadable worksheets and physical activities that mirror the digital curriculum to support hands-on learning.

Get Support

Homeschooling strategies and getting-started guide · support.khanacademy.org

Offers specific guidance for parents on how to integrate the platform's resources and schedules into a home education routine.