CommonLit vs Topmarks

CommonLit is a nonprofit literacy provider offering teaching materials and an English language arts program for schools. Its Text Library gives teachers access to thousands of free literary works and texts from diverse and contemporary authors. CommonLit 360 is a full-year, standards-aligned curriculum for grades 6–12, combining reading, writing, speaking, and listening around complete texts and grade-level tasks. It includes three benchmark assessments for tracking students’ reading growth and proficiency during the school year. The materials support literacy development for grades 3–12, while the 360 curriculum covers grades 6–12. Listed integrations include Clever, ClassLink, Canvas, and Google Classroom; Canvas is limited to eligible paid school packages. Google Classroom can import classes and students, post assignments to the class stream, and export scores to the gradebook. The Digital plan is free for teachers and students. School plans are listed at $4,200 a year, $7,200 a year, and $12,800 a year, each with a one-year commitment.

Topmarks provides educational resources for children, teachers, and parents supporting learning at home and in school. Its materials include learning games, worksheets, classroom resources, and apps, alongside educational content it selects from around the web. Listed subjects range across maths and English, including spelling and grammar, punctuation, reading, writing, number, geometry, measures, data handling, and problem solving. Resources are grouped for ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–11, and 11–16, and for school levels from Reception to Year 6. One app, Hit the Button Maths, offers mental maths and calculation practice for ages 5–11 across six topics, including times tables, division, number bonds, and doubling. It includes 166 game modes with timed and untimed practice, supports up to 30 player profiles per device, and allows guest play. The app works without an internet connection and has no ads or in-app purchases. The website is free to use; the app costs $3.99, paid once. App licenses do not transfer between platforms, and educational institutions need a license for each computer.