Choosing a free homeschool curriculum can make home education far more affordable, but the best choice depends on your child’s grade, subjects, learning style, and how much planning you want to do. Some options are complete, all-in-one programs, while others are free online resources designed to supplement a broader homeschool plan.
What Is a Free Homeschool Curriculum?
A free homeschool curriculum is a set of lessons, assignments, activities, and learning materials families can use to educate children at home without paying a curriculum fee. It may be online, printable, or delivered through digital textbooks. Some cover most subjects, while others work best as supplements.
“Free” does not always mean every homeschooling expense is $0. Families may still need paper, internet, books, or supplies.
A free homeschool curriculum is also different from a free online public school. A curriculum is a resource parents choose and manage. An online public school may include enrollment, teachers, attendance requirements, assessments, and other school rules. Check the requirements that apply where you live before starting.
Best Free Homeschool Curriculum Options
Compare programs by grade coverage, subjects, learning style, and parent workload.
| Curriculum | Grades | Best For | Format | Type | Cost |
| Easy Peasy All-in-One | Pre-K–12 | Structured learning | Online | Christian | Free |
| Discovery K12 | Pre-K–12 | Secular structure | Online | Secular | Free |
| Khan Academy | K–12+ | Academic practice | Online | Secular | Free |
| CK-12 | K–12 | STEM | Online | Secular | Free |
| Ambleside Online | K–12 | Literature-based learning | Online and books | Charlotte Mason | Free |
| Freedom Homeschooling | Multiple grades | Finding resources | Directory | Mixed | Free |
Some resources may involve books, supplies, or optional offline materials.
1. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Easy Peasy is a strong choice for families wanting an organized, all-in-one approach. It provides 180 days of lessons and assignments and covers subjects including reading, writing, math, history, science, Spanish, Bible, computer, music, art, and physical education. It is a homeschool resource, not an online school, so parents remain responsible for administration and records.
2. Discovery K12
Discovery K12 is a secular online homeschool curriculum for pre-K through 12th grade. Its current program provides 180 days of digital lessons and covers reading/literature, language arts, math, history/social studies, science, visual and performing arts, and physical education. Families can use the full curriculum or selected parts.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is particularly useful for math, science, grammar, history, and academic practice. The platform is free for students, teachers, and families, but it is not necessarily a complete homeschool curriculum. For many families, it works best as a supplement.
4. CK-12
CK-12 is useful for science, math, and other STEM subjects. Its free FlexBook digital textbooks include lessons, explanations, practice, multimedia, simulations, and assessments. It can serve as a core resource or supplement.
5. Ambleside Online
Ambleside Online follows Charlotte Mason principles and provides free curriculum plans, schedules, booklists, and teacher resources. Its program spans Year 0 through Year 12. Many scheduled books are available as free online texts, although some families may choose to buy or borrow books that are not freely available.
6. Freedom Homeschooling
Freedom Homeschooling is a directory rather than one curriculum. It organizes free resources by subject, grade, and category, including math, science, history, language arts, art, music, technology, electives, and all-in-one programs. It is useful for building a custom plan.
Free Online Homeschool Programs vs. Free Curriculum
“Free online homeschool” and “free homeschool curriculum” can describe different things.
A free curriculum gives parents the materials and lets them decide how to schedule lessons, teach, and track progress. A free online homeschool program may offer structured daily assignments, assessments, progress tools, or teacher support.
Check whether a program is a curriculum, online school, or supplement, and whether books, printing, or parent tools cost extra.
Best Free Homeschool Curriculum by Subject
You do not have to use one provider for every subject. Combining resources can create a more personalized plan.
- Math: Khan Academy is a strong free option for math instruction and practice. Khan Academy Kids is useful for younger learners.
- Reading and Language Arts: Combine free phonics and reading resources with library books, writing practice, and language arts lessons. Freedom Homeschooling can help locate resources by grade and subject.
- Science: CK-12 provides digital STEM materials, while Khan Academy can supplement science instruction. Hands-on experiments can add practical learning.
- History and Social Studies: Core Knowledge resources, Ambleside Online, library books, and other free materials can be combined into a history sequence.
- Art, Music and Electives: Free online lessons, library resources, community activities, and projects can cover many electives without a paid textbook.
Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum
Yes, you can create a free kindergarten homeschool curriculum. A good plan should balance academics with play, movement, creativity, and hands-on activities rather than relying on screens.
| Kindergarten Area | What to Include |
| Reading | Phonics, letter sounds, early reading |
| Writing | Letter formation, handwriting, simple writing |
| Math | Counting, shapes, patterns, basic operations |
| Science | Nature study, observation, simple experiments |
| Social studies | Family, community, geography basics |
| Arts | Drawing, music, crafts, creative play |
| Social-emotional learning | Emotions, communication, independence |
Best Free Resources for Kindergarten
Khan Academy Kids is a useful starting point. It is a free app for ages 2–8 and includes early literacy, reading, writing, language, math, social-emotional learning, books, and creative activities. It is designed for families and homeschool educators supporting children in Pre-K through second grade.
For a broader plan, combine online learning with library books, phonics, handwriting, outdoor learning, math games, art, and hands-on science.
How to Choose the Best Free Homeschool Program
Before choosing, check:
- Grade range: Does it match your child’s level?
- Subject coverage: Is it all-in-one or subject-specific?
- Teaching philosophy: Is it secular, Christian, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, or traditional?
- Parent involvement: How much teaching and planning is required?
- Format: Does your family prefer online, printable, books, videos, or hands-on learning?
- Hidden costs: Are books, printing, supplies, subscriptions, or parent features required?
Can You Homeschool for Free?
Yes, but free homeschooling usually means the curriculum costs nothing, not that every part of home education is free.
You may still spend money on internet, printing, supplies, books, or educational outings. Public libraries, free digital textbooks, reusable supplies, community resources, and free online lessons can reduce those costs.
You do not need one program to cover everything. A free curriculum stack can combine Khan Academy for math, CK-12 for STEM, library books for reading and history, and other free resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
A well-rounded homeschool curriculum usually includes language arts, math, science, and social studies. Depending on the child’s age and goals, it may also include art, music, physical education, technology, and foreign languages. The exact subjects can vary based on grade level, educational approach, and local requirements.
Homeschooling hours vary by age, curriculum, learning pace, and family schedule. Younger children often need shorter periods of formal instruction, while older students may spend more time on independent coursework. Homeschooling can also include reading, projects, experiments, outdoor activities, and other learning outside formal lessons.
Yes, families can combine different curricula and resources to meet their child’s needs. For example, one program can provide math while another supplies reading, science, or history materials. This approach allows parents to choose resources based on subject quality, teaching style, grade level, and learning preferences.
A secular homeschool curriculum generally presents academic subjects without teaching a particular religious worldview. A Christian curriculum may incorporate Christian beliefs, biblical content, or faith-based perspectives into lessons. Parents can choose between these approaches based on their educational goals and family preferences.
Start by selecting the subjects your child needs and assigning a primary resource to each one. Create a weekly schedule that balances academic lessons with reading, projects, physical activity, creative work, and breaks. Review your child’s progress regularly and adjust the schedule when a resource or learning pace is not working well.