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10 Best Math Tools for High School Students

In high school, the focus in math classes turns to college and career prep through advanced algebra, calculus, test practice, and lots of real-life problem-solving. Whether teachers need a tool to flip the classroom or one to engage students in collaboration, these apps and websites go above and beyond static math practice by offering the customization, tracking, and differentiation students need to be prepared for learning beyond high school.

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CK-12

Super STEM, social studies resource with highly customizable content

Bottom line: Making content accessible to kids with different learning styles, CK-12 could be the key to mastery for some students.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free
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Khan Academy

Missions boost learning with balance of focus and freedom to explore

Bottom line: A solid resource for math and science instruction as well as foundational knowledge in a number of other high school subjects.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free
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PhET Interactive Simulations

Massive cache of excellent (and free!) science and math simulations

Bottom line: Instantly add meaningful lab experiences to math and science classrooms for exactly $0? It's tough to beat that.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free
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CueThink

Social approach to problem-solving promotes deep math learning

Bottom line: An innovative, community-based platform that helps students plan, strategize, and collaborate.

Grades: 5–12 Price: Free to try, Paid The Single Class license ($100 per year) is for one teacher and up to 30 students. The Multi Class license ($250 per year) allows for up to 150 students. Add-ons (from $75 to $150 each) include additional problems and data analysis tools. A professional learning program is also available.
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CanFigureIt Geometry

Flex your deductive reasoning muscles with geometric proofs

Bottom line: A really good way for math students to learn about proofs and explore them from a number of angles.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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Desmos

Elegant graphing calculator and math simulations promote collaboration

Bottom line: Part calculator, part interactive simulation tool, Desmos is a standout example of inquiry-driven math with super-smart instructional supports.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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GeoGebra

Create, share, and modify math models and simulations

Bottom line: Free, open-source software that lets teachers build or adapt learning experiences to meet their kids' needs.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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Mathalicious

Toughest palates can't resist appetizing look at real-world math

Bottom line: Easy-to-deliver lessons use real-world topics tweens like.

Grades: 6–12 Price: $320 annual subscription per teacher Sliding scale: $10, $15, or $20 per month -- pay what you can.
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Virtual Nerd

Flip a classroom with these free video math tutorials

Bottom line: High-quality but monotonous math tutorials can be a good classroom supplement.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free
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Brilliant

Challenge top students with self-guided math, science, and CS courses

Bottom line: This learning and review site can be an exciting challenge for passionate students, but may be too much for struggling kids.

Grades: 7–12 Price: Free to try, Paid Limited intro courses are free. Premium subscriptions are $9.99 per month (if billed annually), $24.99 per month (if billed monthly), and $599.99 for a lifetime membership.
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