The Best Apps for Students: Elementary to College
Technology has made learning more accessible and engaging for students of all ages. Whether your child is just starting school or you’re a college student juggling assignments, there’s an app to help! Below, we break down the best apps by grade level, including their key features and pricing.
Best Apps for Elementary School Students
Young learners thrive on interactive and visual experiences. These apps make learning fun and engaging for elementary students:
1. ScratchJr (Free)
A beginner-friendly coding app where kids can create interactive stories and games through simple coding blocks. Great for introducing programming concepts in a playful way.
2. ABCmouse (Subscription-Based)
A comprehensive learning app covering reading, math, science, and more. It’s designed for early learners with interactive lessons, games, and activities.
3. Duolingo ABC (Free)
A literacy-focused app that helps young children develop reading and writing skills through fun, interactive lessons.
4. Artsonia Kids Art Museum (Free)
Encourages creativity by allowing kids to create digital artwork and share it in a safe online museum.
5. Epic! (Subscription-Based, Free for Educators)
A digital library with thousands of books, audiobooks, and videos for children. Perfect for developing early reading skills.
6. Todo Math (Free, Offers In-App Purchases)
A math app designed for kids, featuring engaging games and activities to strengthen basic math concepts.
7. Writing Wizard (Paid)
Helps children practice handwriting with interactive tracing and animations that make learning letters and numbers enjoyable.
8. DragonBox (Paid)
A set of educational math games that teach algebra and other mathematical concepts through engaging puzzles.
Best Apps for Middle School Students
Middle school students are ready for more advanced learning tools. These apps support reading, vocabulary, math, and coding skills:
1. Libby Library Reading App (Free)
Allows students to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local library. A fantastic way to encourage reading without extra costs.
2. Wordflex Touch Dictionary (Paid)
An interactive dictionary that visually maps out words, their meanings, and connections, making vocabulary learning more engaging.
3. Khan Academy (Free)
A must-have for students of all ages! Offers free lessons in math, science, history, and more, with interactive exercises and videos.
4. Mad Libs App (Free, Offers In-App Purchases)
A fun way to improve grammar and vocabulary by filling in the blanks to create silly and educational stories.
5. Tynker (Free, Offers Paid Plans)
A beginner-friendly coding app that teaches kids programming through interactive games and challenges.
6. Quizlet (Free, Offers Paid Plans)
A powerful study tool that helps students learn with digital flashcards, practice quizzes, and study games.
7. Photomath (Free, Offers Paid Features)
Students can take a photo of a math problem, and the app provides step-by-step solutions. A great tool for checking work and understanding concepts.
8. Codea (Paid)
An advanced coding app for students who want to start programming their own games, simulations, or interactive projects.
Best Apps for High School Students
As students prepare for college and beyond, these apps can help with studying, writing, and organizing their workload:
1. Wolfram Alpha (Free, Offers Paid Version)
A powerful computational tool that helps with math, science, and data analysis. It can solve complex equations and provide detailed explanations.
2. SimpleNote (Free)
A minimalist note-taking app that syncs across devices, helping students stay organized with their notes and study materials.
3. My Study Life (Free)
A great planner app that helps students track homework, assignments, and test dates.
4. Grammarly (Free, Offers Premium Plan)
A writing assistant that checks for grammar, spelling, and style errors. Essential for essays, reports, and emails.
5. Photomath (Free, Offers Paid Features)
Helps high schoolers break down complex math problems with step-by-step solutions.
6. StudyBlue (Free, Offers Paid Plans)
A digital flashcard app that lets students create and share study materials for test prep and memorization.
7. ArtWorkout (Free, Offers In-App Purchases)
A drawing and art-learning app that helps students improve their artistic skills with guided exercises.
8. Kahoot! (Free, Offers Paid Features)
A fun and interactive quiz-based learning platform that helps students study through engaging challenges and group activities.
Best Apps for College Students
College students need tools that help with studying, organization, and career preparation. These apps can make college life easier:
1. Evernote (Free, Offers Premium Plan)
A powerful note-taking and organization app that helps students store lecture notes, create to-do lists, and sync across devices.
2. Chegg (Subscription-Based)
A study app that provides textbook rentals, homework help, and tutoring services. A great resource for academic success.
3. Kindle App (Free, Books Sold Separately)
Turns any device into an eBook reader, making it easier to access textbooks and other reading materials on the go.
4. Google Calendar (Free)
A must-have for keeping track of classes, deadlines, and study sessions.
5. Grammarly (Free, Offers Premium Plan)
Helps students write polished essays, reports, and emails with grammar and spell-check features.
6. Audible (Subscription-Based)
Provides access to thousands of audiobooks, perfect for listening to textbooks, literature, or self-improvement books on the go.
7. Canva (Free, Offers Paid Plans)
A graphic design tool that helps students create presentations, posters, and resumes with ease.
8. Handshake (Free)
A career-focused app that connects students with job and internship opportunities, networking events, and career advice.
No matter what grade level you’re in, there’s an app to support your learning journey. From mastering math and coding to organizing assignments and preparing for careers, these tools make education more engaging and accessible. Try them out and see which ones work best for you!
Do you have a favorite app for students? Let us know in the comments!