Starfall
Nonprofit learn-to-read and early learning site with games, songs and books for kids.
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About Starfall
Starfall is a nonprofit education site that teaches children to read through interactive games, short movies, songs and books. Its core Learn-to-Read program runs in four steps, from the ABCs through phonics and sight words to reading fiction and nonfiction, and that program is free for every child. A paid membership, which funds the nonprofit, unlocks the full Pre-K to fifth-grade catalogue, including more maths and other subjects, across computers, tablets and phones. It was founded by Dr. Stephen Schutz, who struggled to read as a child because of dyslexia, and the activities are untimed and multisensory. Starfall is used widely by teachers and homeschooling families in the US. It carries no advertising and says it does not collect personal information from children. The content is mostly in English and is centred on reading, so it is narrower than an all-subject app, and the look is simple compared with commercial apps.
Best for: Parents and teachers of early readers who want a free, ad-free phonics program.
Pros and cons
What works
- Learn-to-Read program is free with no ads
- Structured four-step phonics path
- Run by a nonprofit that doesn't collect children's personal data
Why people leave
- Most maths and upper-grade content needs a paid membership
- English only and focused on reading
- Plain visuals next to commercial kids' apps
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Starfall: common questions
Is Starfall free?
Starfall has a free plan and paid plans.
Is Starfall open source?
No, Starfall is not open source. Open-source alternatives include GCompris and Tux Paint.
What platforms does Starfall run on?
Starfall is available for Web, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Starfall?
The highest-ranked Starfall alternatives right now are GCompris and Tux Paint. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.