LetterSchool vs MathTango

LetterSchool teaches handwriting, phonics, numbers and spelling through activities for young children. It is described as designed for ages three to eight, with a listed target age range of two to six. Letter practice moves through guided tapping, tracing and independent writing. The app gives visual and auditory feedback and corrects each line as a child draws it. Languages listed include English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, Japanese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Arabic. English users can choose Handwriting Without Tears, Zaner-Bloser or D’Nealian handwriting styles. The free app costs nothing and includes five uppercase and lowercase letters, five shapes and three CVC flashcards covering nine words. Paid access is listed from $1.92/mo (annual), with a 7-day trial. LetterSchool is available on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. The school offering is currently iOS-only as LetterSchool – Block Letters. The maker says the app has no ads or social media and does not seek to collect personally identifiable information directly from children under 13.

MathTango teaches addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to children aged 5–10+. A lesson-plan wizard builds an age-appropriate curriculum based on Common Core, with lessons advancing as children master them. The app offers more than 500 puzzles across over 40 levels, review levels and a free-play mode. Addition and subtraction lessons use nine puzzle types, while multiplication and division use seven. Children complete missions, collect characters and explore two worlds: Island for addition and subtraction, and Starbase for multiplication and division. Multiple user profiles can be set up on one device, and the app can be enjoyed offline. MathTango is available on Android, iOS and Windows. Its App Store listing describes an ad-free experience without in-app purchases, while also identifying the app as a subscription service. The listed MathTango Plan costs $7.99 a month, and monthly or annual subscriptions are described. A 30-day trial is listed. Originator, the maker, develops educational mobile apps for children and families and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.