The 6 Best Homework Apps to Help Students (and Parents)

Getting homework done can be difficult. While the information might make sense in the classroom, some students don't retain that knowledge. When your child needs extra help, there are apps to help with homework. These solutions help both students and parents succeed.

The apps in this article are free to download, and some may include in-app purchases.

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Duolingo

What We Like

Easy to use with over 30 different languages to learn.
ESL courses to strengthen English skills.

What We Don't Like

Interface can be clunky at times.
Limited vocabulary.

This popular language-learning app sits at the top of both the iOS and Android app stores as an excellent solution to strengthen foreign language skills. Whether your child wants to learn outside of their curriculum or wishes to practice what they learned earlier in class, Duolingo is an excellent addition to any digital device.

With over thirty different languages to choose, your child can practice their German, Italian, Spanish, French, or dozens of other languages. If your student is currently enrolled in ESL courses, they can also strengthen their English skills from the bottom-up. Unlike other language learning solutions that focus on memorizing vocabulary, Duolingo uses a combination of reading, writing, and speaking exercises to create a more natural learning experience.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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Photomath

What We Like

Great for helping math students who may be falling behind.
Built-in calculator allows for smart, on-the-fly calculations and 2D graph plotting abilities.

What We Don't Like

Somewhat limited depth—wrong answers don't provide much room for learning why an answer is wrong.

Mathematics can be one of the most challenging courses for students, with complicated steps that are quickly forgotten after a long day of school. Especially challenging is that many parents also struggle to help their children with subject matter that they themselves have not been acquainted with for years. The app Photomath is an excellent solution for struggling mathematicians.

Children can easily scan complex or simple math problems, learning how to solve them thanks to step-by-step instructions. A built-in calculator improves the experience, allowing for smart, on-the-fly calculations and 2D graph plotting abilities. Linear equations, logarithms, trigonometry, functions, and basic algebraic expressions are only a few of Photomath’s vast capabilities.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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Yousician

What We Like

Great music learning app with with tools for learning and practicing guitar, bass, piano, and more.

What We Don't Like

Voice-overs and instructional design lack the human touch often helpful to learning an instrument.

One school subject that is sadly overlooked is music—an area of study that has been proven to increase a child’s language and reasoning skills, fine-tune their motor skills, and decrease overall stress levels. So, if your child is trying to learn a musical instrument and struggling, consider investing in Yousician. This app allows students to practice guitar, bass, piano, or even ukulele.

Students can practice their instruments along with charts and diagrams shown onscreen, receive real-time feedback when they miss a note or fall out of tune. Included step-by-step video tutorials are also available to show your child how to master a specific skill set. Practicing an instrument has never seemed so natural, and with different genres of music available, your child can quickly sort out their favorites.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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Khan Academy

What We Like

Huge range of subjects for all ages, from Kindergarten mathematics to AP Physics.
More than 150,000 interactive exercises.

What We Don't Like

Not much room for creativity, collaboration, or alternative teaching styles.

Ready to increase your knowledge in math, science, computing, history, economics, and more? Whether as an educational tool for your child, or an extra app for a parent to enjoy in their free time, everyone can use Khan Academy to unlock a world of education. Children can practice anything from Kindergarten mathematics to AP Physics. Quickly access a collection of portable courses on-the-go or via your computer.

The Khan Academy application offers over 150,000 interactive exercises to strengthen old or new skills. Additionally, you can download your favorite content for offline study so that you have access to it no matter where in the world you are. For parents wishing to learn something new, they can jump into advanced high school courses or enjoy courses on entrepreneurship and career building. Khan Academy offers solutions for all ages and skill ranges.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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Quizlet Flashcards

What We Like

Digital flashcard mobile platform suitable for all ages.
Focus on memorization ideal for studying and cramming.

What We Don't Like

Ad-supported platform may be distracting.
User-generated content means some content may be inaccurate.

Do you remember studying for exams—creating endless piles of flashcards to memorize facts and details? While flashcards can be an excellent method for analyzing new material, they use large amounts of paper that are eventually thrown in the trash. Help learn new topics while also saving trees with the Quizlet Flashcards application. Study from existing flashcard sets or create your own.

Quizlet digital flashcards allow students of all ages to practice and master various topics using their smartphone. In addition to basic flashcards, Quizlet offers multiple modes to encourage different methods of memorization. If your child is attending the same class as another student using Quizlet, the two can share flashcards with each other. Best of all, those using the app to study foreign languages can hear keywords spoken back to them in over 18 different languages.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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PowerSchool

What We Like

Allows parents/guardians to keep tabs on their child's education.
Access classroom handouts, attendance records, school bulletins, and more.

What We Don't Like

Complicated interface makes for a rather steep learning curve.

Here’s an app that both children and parents can enjoy: PowerSchool Mobile. Many school districts use the PowerSchool system to manage grades and reports. If your child’s school happens to be a participant, you can utilize the mobile app to keep a close eye on your child's educational progress. Depending on how a teacher chooses to use the tool in their classroom, you may also have access to handouts, attendance records, school bulletins, and more.

While not every school offers support for the PowerSchool Mobile application, it is worth checking with your child’s teacher to see if the option is available. Sorry kids, but it is no longer possible to hide report cards with the PowerSchool app in hand. Parents can even take the time to manage what push and email notifications they receive from the school in question. Become more involved and aware of your child’s school performance with this simple mobile app in hand.

Download For:

iOS

Android