Illustrative Mathematics vs Khan Academy
Illustrative Mathematics
illustrativemathematics.orgKhan Academy
khanacademy.orgSide by side
| Figure | Illustrative Mathematics | Khan Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $0.83/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Spec score · K-12 Curriculum Platforms | 7.6 (#17) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | The organization lists its principal mailing address as PO Box 69822, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737. | Mountain View, California, United States |
| Organization | Illustrative Mathematics is a nonprofit organization that became independent in 2013 after beginning at the University of Arizona in 2011. | Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
| Support | Illustrative Mathematics and IM Certified partners offer professional learning, leadership support, and implementation services for schools and districts. | Khan Academy provides a Help Center and Community Support links for assistance. |
Plans
Khan Academy
- Enterprise Starter$10 a year
- Khan AcademyFree
- Khanmigo Teacher ToolsFree
- Khanmigo Learner Subscription$4 a month
- Khanmigo Parent Subscription$4 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics provides IM Math, a problem-based core mathematics curriculum for transitional kindergarten through grade 12. The IM Math v.360 sequence runs from transitional kindergarten through Algebra 2. Lessons ask students to solve meaningful problems, explain their reasoning, compare strategies, and connect mathematical ideas across lessons, units, courses, and grades. Built-in resources include discussion routines, support for English learners and students with disabilities, unit assessments, session checkpoints, and lesson cool-downs. AccessIM provides the complete curriculum online for free, with implementation resources and downloadable, printable PDFs for teachers and students, without a time limit. The curriculum aligns with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Schools can obtain print materials and enhanced digital platforms through IM Certified partners such as Imagine Learning, Kendall Hunt, and Kiddom. Partner platforms may add rostering, assignments, reporting, and progress monitoring.
Khan Academy
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.