Splash Math

The short version: SplashLearn (formerly Splash Math) is a freemium K-5 math and reading program built around bite-sized games and a parent dashboard. The free tier is useful; the paid tier is what you're really paying for — adaptive daily plans, progress tracking, and no ads. It's strongest as a daily-practice supplement, not a replacement for a core curriculum.

What it does well

• Adaptive daily plans. The premium plan picks the next 10–15 minutes of work based on what your child has already mastered. Removes the "what should we do today" decision.
• K-5 coverage aligned to Common Core. Topic coverage is broad — number sense, operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, plus a growing reading/ELA side.
• Game-first design. Most lessons are wrapped in short games rather than worksheets. Lower-grade kids stay engaged longer than they do on Khan-style video lessons.
• Real parent dashboard. You can see time spent, accuracy per skill, and which topics are next — meaningful enough to actually use, not just a vanity metric.
• Multi-device. Works on web, iOS, and Android with shared progress.

What's missing

• Free tier is limited. You get a handful of activities per topic before it nudges you to upgrade. Useful for trying it; not enough for daily use.
• Ads in the free version. Removed on Premium ($7.99–$11.99/mo depending on commitment, free trial available).
• Sometimes too easy on lower grades. The K-1 content errs toward gentle; advanced learners may breeze through.
• Not a substitute for a written curriculum. No worksheets to print, no parent-led lessons. If you want a paper-and-pencil math program, look elsewhere.

Who it's for

Best for K through 5 families who want a structured daily app-based practice habit alongside their main curriculum, and who'll actually use the parent dashboard. Less compelling if you're looking for a stand-alone math curriculum or already use Khan Academy and just want supplemental drills.

Alternatives worth knowing

• Timestables.com — single-purpose, totally free multiplication drill site. Good complement when kids need fact fluency.
• Math Fact Cafe — generates free flashcards and worksheets if you prefer paper practice.
• Free Pre-Algebra Worksheets — useful for the 4th–5th graders aging out of SplashLearn's strongest range.

Bottom line

SplashLearn is a polished, well-designed K-5 math supplement that does the daily-practice job better than most. Run the free trial, decide if your kid actually returns to it without prompting, then commit (or don't) at $8–12/month.