SpellingJoy

Best Spelling Apps for 6th Grade in 2026

SAT/ACT prep vocabulary and college-prep for ages 11-12.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Sixth grade student learning

Our Top Picks:

1

Vocabulary A-Z

Vocabulary A-Z (formerly VocabularySpellingCity) offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers. $108/year covers up to 36 students.

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Best for - College-prep vocabulary
Price - $108/yr (classroom)
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ 35+ learning games
  • ✓ Strong classroom integration
  • ✓ Teacher dashboard

Cons

  • ✗ Rebranded from VocabularySpellingCity
  • ✗ Requires annual subscription
  • ✗ Classroom-focused pricing
2

IXL

IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.

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Best for - All subjects through 12th
Price - $79-159/yr
Grades - Pre-K-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • ✓ Adaptive learning
  • ✓ Detailed analytics

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Spelling is small part of ELA
3

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.

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Best for - Free through 6th grade
Price - 100% Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ 100% free - unlimited games, tests, and lists
  • ✓ No subscription or hidden costs ever
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum with 134+ word lists

Cons

  • ✗ Web-only (no native mobile apps yet)
  • ✗ Classroom features coming soon
4

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards. Home subscription $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr for up to 5 students.

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Best for - Gamified learning
Price - $29.99/yr (home)
Grades - Ages 5-11
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Strong gamification features
  • ✓ Competitive leagues
  • ✓ Cross-platform

Cons

  • ✗ UK curriculum focus
  • ✗ British accent audio
  • ✗ Original app phased out for subscription model
5

Word Wizard

Word Wizard features a talking movable alphabet that helps young children learn phonics and spelling. Award-winning app with 140,000+ copies sold to schools.

Best for - Word roots and origins
Price - $4.99 one-time
Grades - Pre-K-5 (Ages 4-10)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Talking movable alphabet
  • ✓ NYT praised as "Speak N Spell for iPad generation"
  • ✓ Parents Choice Award winner

Cons

  • ✗ Limited to younger ages
  • ✗ Less curriculum alignment
  • ✗ No web version

Frequently Asked Questions

6th grade focuses on SAT/ACT vocabulary, college-prep words, advanced etymology, and spelling in academic writing contexts.

Our Verdict

VocabularySpellingCity has college-prep vocabulary content.

SpellingJoy covers through 6th grade completely free.

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About the Author

SpellingJoy Team

The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.

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