• Math tutors
• /
• Blog
• /
• 10 STEM Programs for Kids in 2025

10 STEM Programs for Kids in 2025

STEM programs give children a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. But choosing the right online STEM program may not be so easy. In this article, I’ll channel my teaching experience to walk you through 10 STEM programs for kids that you can use at home to balance learning and fun.

Key points

• If you’ve ever wondered what is STEM program for kids, it’s an approach that builds skills in science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, practical learning.
• Programs range from free options like Khan Academy and PhET Simulations to paid opportunities such as Brighterly and iD Tech.
• Brighterly offers the best mix of structure and support with personalized tutoring in math and reading, helping kids grow both skills and confidence.

What is a STEM program for kids?

A STEM program for kids is one that introduces students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in ways they can actually enjoy and understand. From one-on-one tutoring to pre-recorded courses, with the best math and STEM programs for kids, your child gets to explore how things work and experiment with new ideas.

What are examples of STEM programs?

Examples of STEM programs for kids include platforms like Khan Academy for free science and math, SplashLEarn for game-based programming, or Create & Learn for coding skills and robotics. Some, like Brighterly, provide personalized one-on-one tutoring in math and reading that helps children build a strong foundation for STEM. 

I will delve into each of these, as well as STEM after-school programs for kids, a bit later in the article.

What are the types of STEM programs for kids?

Types of online STEM programs can focus on online math practice or delve into coding, robotics, and engineering. There are also online platforms built around virtual science labs, problem-solving, and creative challenges, and even game-based learning for a mix of fun and education. 

With this variety, you can find a STEM program for kids that precisely matches your child’s learning style.

Top 10 STEM programs for kids

• Brighterly
• Khan Academy
• Science Buddies
• PhET Interactive Simulations
• iD Tech
• ABCMouse
• SplashLearn
• Codakid
• Create and Learn
• Outschool

Free online STEM programs for elementary students

	Subject	Instruction model
Khan Academy	Multi-subject	Short video/text instructions + interactive practice
Science Buddies	Math, physical sciences, life sciences, earth and environmental sciences	Science projects
PhET Interactive Simulations	Math, physics, chemistry, biology, earth, and space	Interactive science and math simulations

Paid online STEM programs for elementary students

	Cost	Subject	Instruction mode
Brighterly	From $17.3 per month (3 lessons per week, billed annually)	Math, reading	One-on-one tutoring
iD Tech	Starting at $64/lesson	Math, programming, AI, space, and rocket science	One-on-one tutoring
ABCmouse	$14.99/month	Math, science	Animations, games, books, puzzles

Online STEM programs for middle school students (paid and free)

	Cost	Subject	Instruction model
SplashLearn	Starting $7.49/mo when billed annually	Math	Game-based learning
Codakid	Starting at $29/month when billed monthly	Coding	Self-paced courses, private tutoring
Create and Learn	Starting at $94.50 for 4 group tutoring sessions	Coding classes	Group tutoring sessions, private classes
Outschool	$0.50 per credit (with 80 credits/month minimum)	Multi-subject	Group lessons, private lessons, pre-recorded courses

#1 Brighterly adaptive STEM-focused program for kids 

Age group: Grades 1-9

Best for: One-on-one, in-depth practice with experienced math tutors or reading tutors.

Brighterly math and reading platform helps kids feel confident in math and reading through fun, one-on-one online lessons. 

Benefits of Brighterly

At Brighterly, your child receives one-on-one attention from a teacher who understands their learning style. The Brighterly STEM classes for kids focus on building math skills step by step, so children don’t feel rushed or stressed.

Brighterly features

• Individualized learning and free resources
• Built-in progress tracking

Individualized learning and free resources

Every child begins with a diagnostic test, which helps Brighterly match them with an experienced tutor. Then, all grade programs follow an individualized approach, and tutors adapt to your child’s grade and goals for more effective STEM practice. Finally, you can be sure that your curricula will align with USA standards and Common Core.

Additionally, you can get free materials like math tests and math worksheets for kids for extra practice at home. 

Built-in progress tracking

There is a comprehensive built-in progress tracking on the platform. This way, you will always be on top of your child’s STEM education to ensure they learn what they need to.

Brighterly: Key pros and cons

According to Trustpilot reviews, Brighterly’s math tutors are knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and can answer even more complex STEM questions.

Pros	Cons
Personalized one-on-one tutoring	Lack of peer-to-peer communication
Free supplementary materials

Brighterly cost

• $17.3/month for an annual subscription
• $19.4/month for 6 months
• $20.2/month for 3 months 
• $20.7/month for a monthly subscription 

*All prices given for 3 sessions/week. A free first lesson is available, with no commitment required.

 

#2 Khan Academy STEM programs for kids

Age group: K-12

Best for: Great for free, self-paced learning support.

Khan Academy is one of the best-known among online STEM programs for elementary and middle school students. The platform comes with a huge library of video lessons and practice exercises across core STEM subjects. 

Khan Academy free STEM programs for kids: Features

• Thousands of interactive courses.
• All STEM programs for elementary students provide comprehensive performance reports.

Khan Academy: Pricing

Free, voluntary donations are accepted.

Khan Academy best STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Wide subject and grade coverage	No live tutor support
	Limited interactivity

 

#3 Science Buddies STEM program for kids

Age group: K-12

Best for: Ready-to-go science projects and experiments.

Science Buddies is next in my list of free online STEM programs for elementary students. It’s a great resource, offering thousands of science fair project ideas and hands-on activities. 

Science Buddies STEM program for kids: Features

• Lots of experiment ideas. 
• The large selection of free STEM programs for kids shows how science connects to real jobs like engineer, chemist, and more.

Science Buddies: Pricing

Free; donations are accepted.

Science Buddies STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Wide range of activities	Projects often require additional supplies
	No tutor help

#4 PhET Interactive Simulations STEM program for kids

Age group: K-12

Best for: Students who learn best by experimenting.

PhET Interactive Simulations was created by the University of Colorado to offer free online science and mathematics simulations.

PhET Interactive Simulations STEM program for kids: Features

• PhET offers virtual science labs to explore STEM concepts interactively.
• PhET urges kids to be inquisitive, ask questions, and test their ideas.

PhET Interactive Simulations: Pricing

Free, accepts donations

PhET Interactive Simulations STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Wide selection of interactive simulations featuring objects like bricks and toys	Some simulations can be very technical
	No tutor help

#5 iD Tech best STEM program for kids

Age group: 2-12

Best for: Those looking for the best STEM program offerings for kids in coding, game design, and robotics.

iD Tech offers STEM after-school programs for kids, with a focus on coding, app development, and engineering. 

iD Tech STEM programs for kids: Features

• The program offers private online tutoring and pre-recorded courses.
• The company is known for its summer camps and teen academies in the US, which can be found by searching for “STEM programs for kids near me.”

iD Tech: Pricing

• $64/lesson for 12 lessons/month
• $68/lesson for 8 lessons/month
• $71/lesson for 4 lessons/month
• $75/lesson for 1 lesson/month

iD Tech STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Wide variety of STEM topics to choose from	High cost
	Some courses may be too intensive

#6 ABCMouse STEM program for kids

Age group: Pre-K-2

Best for: Early exposure to STEM.

Other STEM programs for kids include online platforms like ABCmouse, which offers mainly gamified content for very young learners.

ABCmouse STEM program for kids: Features

• The platform uses games, songs, puzzles, and activities to teach children. 
• The lessons are short and interactive.

ABCmouse: Pricing

• $14.99/month billed monthly
• $45 for the first year, then renews at $59.99/year + tax, billed annually
• A 30-day free trial is available

ABCmouse STEM programs for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Engaging activities hold the attention of young learners	Suitable only for early graders
	No private tutor available

#7 SplashLearn STEM program for kids

Age group: Pre-K-5

Best for: Extra practice through interactive activities.

SplashLearn is one of STEM programs for kids, which offers game-based learning for young kids, keeping them motivated. 

SplashLearn STEM program for kids: Features

• The lessons are aligned with the US curriculum. 
• Bright designs, a variety of games, and cute animal mascots keep the learning engaging.

SplashLearn: Pricing

• $11.99/month, billed monthly
• $7.5/month, billed annually
• $4.2/month per child, billed annually

SplashLearn STEM program for kids near me: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
More than 4000+ games	Not sufficient for independent practice
	Repetition in games can feel monotonous

#8 Codakid STEM program for kids

Age group: Grades 1-12

Best for: Learning coding, game design, or app development.

This STEM program for kids teaches real coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java, mainly through project-based courses.

Codakid best STEM program for kids: Features

• Lessons built around designing games, building apps, or creating websites.
• The platform offers mentor support for students when they are stuck.

Codakid: Pricing

Solo plan – self-paced:

• $29/month, billed monthly
• $17/month, billed annually

Family plan – self-paced:

• $45/month, billed monthly
• $23/month, billed annually

Private sessions:

• $249/month for 4 private lessons
• $450/month for 8 private lessons

Codakid: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Many programming languages	Relatively high cost
	Limited teacher support

#9 Create and Learn STEM program for kids

Age group: K-12

Best for: Coding, robotics, and emerging tech topics like AI and data science.

Create&Learn offers live classes taught by experienced instructors in small groups. The platform provides a wide selection of courses, and your kid can explore subjects from Scratch coding to data science.

Create&Learn STEM program for kids: Features

• A wide range of topics, including coding, robotics, and AI.
• You can choose courses by topic and grade level. 

Create & Learn: Pricing

• $94.50/month for 4 group classes, billed monthly 
• $240/month for 4 private classes, billed monthly
• Custom pricing for private group classes

Create&Learn STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Wide choice of courses by age and interest	Group sessions are at pre-defined hours
	Topic-based classes can leave gaps if used alone

#10 Outschool

Age group: K-12

Best for: Flexible and all-around online STEM learning.

Last in my list of online STEM programs is Outschool – a “marketplace” for self-paced and live classes, where your child can explore everything from coding to space science.

Outschool STEM program for kids: Features

• Live online classes, one-on-one tutoring, and self-paced courses.
• A large variety of subjects in STEM are covered by grade level and subject. 

Outschool: Pricing

• $40/month for 80 credits
• $70/month for 145 credits
• $120/month for 268 credits
• $240/month for 548 credits

Outschool STEM program for kids: Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Self-paced courses and private tutoring	The credit-based payment system can be confusing
	The quality of courses can vary, as anyone can publish them

Choosing the best STEM program for kids: Conclusion

With so many great STEM programs for kids available, you can find options that match any interest. But if you want consistent progress and one-on-one attention, Brighterly stands out as the best choice. With personalized lessons, caring tutors, and an interactive math program, your child won’t just learn, they’ll build confidence that carries into every subject.

Besides, you can book free lesson today and test all of its benefits, so why wait?