EL Education Curriculum vs Khan Academy

EL Education Curriculum is a free, web-based K–8 Language Arts curriculum for educators and schools. It is standards-aligned and includes teacher tools and built-in assessments. The design draws on the science of reading and the science of learning and development. Students use complex, grade-level texts by diverse authors while building science and social studies knowledge. Original research and interdisciplinary investigations develop inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, and craftsmanship. Differentiated opportunities address English language learners, economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and advanced learners. Connections to students’ communities support compassionate leadership and thoughtful citizenship. Grade-level index pages provide downloads such as Teacher’s Guide PDFs and Teacher Supporting Materials or Student Workbook Word documents. Creating an account provides access to hundreds of free resources. EL Education offers coaching and strategic planning for guided curriculum pilots. The digital resources plan costs nothing; some resources require an account. A 2025 K–5 professional learning course costs $350, paid once and provides 365-day access.

Khan Academy is a free learning platform for independent learners, teachers and parents, available on Android, iOS and the web. It offers more than 840 free courses in core academic subjects for K–12 and early college, with personalized learning intended to help students master concepts and address learning gaps. The mobile app includes interactive exercises, mastery levels, synced progress, offline video downloads and a scratchpad. Khan Academy Kids is a free, ad-free app for children ages 2–8 with interactive books, games and creative lessons. Khanmigo tutoring guides learners toward answers across academic subjects from elementary school through college. Teacher tools can assist with lesson planning, feedback, student work summaries, rubrics and exit tickets; Khan Academy for Teachers also includes standards-aligned practice, progress tracking and AI support. Teachers can import Google Classroom rosters, while district plans list Clever or ClassLink rostering and single sign-on. Paid Khanmigo subscriptions require users to be at least 18, live in the United States and have a U.S. billing address. Parent and learner subscriptions each cost $4 a month.