Khan Academy, IXL, Prodigy, TestingMom, AISparks — what each does well, and how to pick the right fit for your child. Written by parents, updated for 2026.
What is 15% of 60?
⚡ Short on time? Jump to the decision guide— pick by your child's situation.
Each platform is genuinely good at something. The question is which one matches what your child needs most.
What it does well
Self-paced learning across all subjects with an excellent free video library.
Best fit
A great free starting point for everyday learning and brand-new concepts.
Exam Prep
Classroom supplement
Adaptive AI
Self-paced
Parent Dashboard
Time + skills
Rewards
Badges
Keep in mind
Built as a classroom supplement, so it skips adaptive, exam-specific simulations.
Verdict: A great free foundation for everyday learning.
What it does well
Broad skill coverage, MAP Growth alignment, and detailed analytics for schools.
Best fit
A solid fit when your child's school already uses it.
Exam Prep
MAP skill plans
Adaptive AI
Skill recommendations
Parent Dashboard
Detailed & data-rich
Rewards
—
Keep in mind
The score-driven SmartScore can feel discouraging for some kids practicing at home.
Verdict: Strong for schools and structured skill practice.
What it does well
Math engagement for game-loving kids — they genuinely enjoy the format.
Best fit
Great for getting kids excited about math.
Exam Prep
Math focus
Adaptive AI
Game difficulty adjusts
Parent Dashboard
Skill reports
Rewards
In-game
Keep in mind
Covers math and English only, with no standardized-exam prep.
Verdict: Great for making math feel like play.
What it does well
Strong gifted-test coverage (CogAT, OLSAT) with a large, parent-focused question bank.
Best fit
Handy for focused, one-time gifted-program prep.
Exam Prep
Gifted-test focus
Adaptive AI
Fixed sets
Parent Dashboard
Basic
Rewards
—
Keep in mind
Uses fixed question banks rather than real-time adaptive practice.
Verdict: A good pick for one-time gifted-test prep.
What it does well
AI-adaptive practice across every K-8 subject and exam, a plain-English parent skill map, and real rewards for mastery.
Best fit
Best for adaptive exam prep with full parent visibility — all in one app.
Exam Prep
STAAR, MAP, COGAT, SHSAT
Adaptive AI
Real-time, every question
Parent Dashboard
Skill map by standard
Rewards
XP + pocket money
Keep in mind
A newer platform with a smaller brand name than Khan or IXL — so we let the free demo do the talking.
Verdict: Best for adaptive exam prep with parent visibility.
| Feature | Khan Academy | IXL | Prodigy | TestingMom | AISparks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAAR exam prep | Partial | — | — | — | ✓ Full |
| MAP Growth prep | — | Partial | — | — | ✓ Full |
| COGAT / gifted prep | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ Full |
| SHSAT prep | — | — | — | — | ✓ Full |
| Real-time adaptive AI | — | Partial | Partial | — | ✓ |
| Parent skill map | Basic | Detailed | Basic | Basic | ✓ Standard-level |
| Rewards for mastery | Badges | — | In-game | — | ✓ XP + pocket money |
| Timed exam simulations | — | — | — | — | ✓ Boss Battle mode |
| COPPA-compliant, ad-free | ✓ | ✓ | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free to try | ✓ Always free | Subscription | ✓ Freemium | 100 free Q's | ✓ Free demo + trial |
Find your situation below.
My child needs free general learning support
→ Khan Academy
My child's school assigns IXL and I want to support it
→ IXL
My child needs a nudge to enjoy math
→ Prodigy
My child is testing for a gifted program (CogAT/OLSAT)
→ AISparks or TestingMomMy child needs STAAR prep (Texas)
→ AISparksMy child needs MAP Growth practice
→ AISparksMy child is preparing for SHSAT (NYC)
→ AISparksI want to see exactly which skills to focus on next
→ AISparksSee the adaptive demo across grades K–8. Then start a 7-day free trial for the full parent dashboard and exam-prep paths.
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