When I was in high school, learning outside class mostly meant flipping through worn-out textbooks or watching slow YouTube tutorials that barely held my attention. But things have changed. Today’s students have something we never had — smart, interactive learning apps that don’t just cover textbooks, but teach everything from calculus and coding to building your own robot.
Over the past few months, I tried out some of the most popular educational apps being used by American high schoolers. I wasn’t just curious as a reviewer — I wanted to understand how students are learning today and whether these apps are really as “revolutionary” as they claim.
Here’s what I found: 5 apps that go way beyond school homework, and in many cases, make learning feel like a game — or better yet, a DIY project.
1. Khan Academy – The Quiet Genius in Your Pocket
Subjects Covered: Math, Science, History, Economics, SAT Prep
Best For: Students who want concept clarity and structured lessons.
My Experience:
I started with Khan Academy to brush up on some high school math. I figured I’d get bored fast — I mean, it’s free, right? But what surprised me was the clarity. No fluff. Just sharp, bite-sized videos and interactive quizzes. I even tried their SAT prep section, which links directly with your College Board practice tests. It gave me feedback on what to improve.
A friend of mine used Khan to catch up after missing a semester due to illness. It literally helped him pass algebra and get back on track.
What Makes It Great:
- Totally free.
- Progress tracking.
- Covers basics really well.
- Great for self-paced learners.
2. Tynker – Coding for Creators
Subjects Covered: Coding, Game Design, Robotics, Python, JavaScript
Best For: Students interested in coding and building cool projects.
My Experience:
I always wanted to learn how games like Minecraft could be modded. Tynker has a Minecraft Modding module, and I tried building custom items and biomes — it actually worked. Then I moved on to basic Python and JavaScript. What I liked was that Tynker doesn’t throw theory at you. You build things, mess up, fix them, and move on.
I saw students use Tynker in a school robotics club — they built a robot that could follow a light path using code blocks. It was fun watching them debug it in real time.
What Makes It Great:
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Lots of visual, hands-on projects.
- Teaches logic and real languages like Python.
- Great for both solo learners and clubs.
3. Brilliant – For the Curious Problem-Solvers
Subjects Covered: Math, Science, Computer Science, Logic
Best For: Students who enjoy puzzles, challenges, and deep thinking.
My Experience:
Brilliant is like having a smart friend who constantly dares you to think harder. I started with their “Logic” course, thinking it’d be easy — it wasn’t. But it was fun. Every lesson is built around solving a problem, not just reading or watching.
What stood out was how it explains why an answer is right or wrong. I even found myself doing lessons at night just for fun. It’s a great fit for students in AP classes or those prepping for STEM careers.
What Makes It Great:
- Focus on critical thinking.
- Mobile and web-friendly.
- Visually clean, no distractions.
- Encourages learning through doing.
4. Skillshare – Learning DIY, Design, and More
Subjects Covered: Design, Photography, Animation, Crafts, Coding, Productivity
Best For: Creative students who want to learn practical, hands-on skills.
My Experience:
I didn’t expect much from Skillshare. I thought it’d just be artsy videos. But then I stumbled upon a course called “Build Your Own Website with HTML/CSS in a Day.” And I actually built one — it was basic, but mine. I also found classes on film editing, T-shirt printing, and even 3D modeling.
What impressed me most was how varied it was. I met a high school student at a workshop who learned embroidery from Skillshare and now runs a small Etsy shop. That’s when it clicked — this isn’t just learning; it’s doing.
What Makes It Great:
- Project-based learning.
- Great for creative and DIY learners.
- Wide range: from graphic design to gardening.
- You can even monetize your skills (freelance, sell, etc.).
5. Duolingo – Gamified Language Learning That Sticks
Subjects Covered: 40+ Languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, Latin, etc.)
Best For: Students who want to pick up a new language for school or travel.
My Experience:
I used Duolingo to brush up on Spanish before a trip to Mexico. At first, I used it just 5–10 minutes a day. But soon it became a habit. The app throws you streaks, achievements, and little rewards — like a mobile game, but with verbs and grammar. I saw students use it to prep for school language classes, and even clubs running Duolingo challenges.
It’s not perfect — you’ll still need other resources to get fluent. But for beginners? It makes language learning actually fun.
What Makes It Great:
- Easy to get started.
- Progress tracked like a video game.
- Great for visual/audio learners.
- Free with a premium option.
Final Thoughts
What I realized after testing these apps is that learning isn’t limited to school anymore. Whether it’s acing your SATs, coding your first game, learning Japanese, or starting a side hustle making T-shirts — the tools are all out there. Most of them fit in your phone. And most don’t cost a fortune.
As a reviewer and lifelong learner, I’d say this: if you’re a high school student, pick just one of these apps and commit to it for a month. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just explore. Play. Tinker. Build.
Because the future of education isn’t just about grades — it’s about what you create with what you learn