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Best Spelling Apps for Elementary Students (K-5) in 2025

Age-appropriate spelling apps designed for elementary school students with curriculum-aligned content.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Elementary students learning

Elementary school (K-5) is when children develop core spelling skills. The right app can make practice engaging and effective during these formative years.

Our Top Picks:

1

VocabularySpellingCity

VocabularySpellingCity offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers.

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Best for - Comprehensive elementary spelling
Price - $117-125/yr
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

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

Cons

  • ✗ Price increased significantly (was $35/yr)
  • ✗ Requires annual subscription
2

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards.

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Best for - Gamified learning for elementary
Price - $38/yr
Grades - Ages 5-11
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Strong gamification features
  • ✓ Competitive leagues
  • ✓ Affordable pricing

Cons

  • ✗ UK curriculum focus
  • ✗ Less suitable for US standards
3

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. It offers word lists aligned with US curriculum standards, including Dolch and Fry sight words.

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Best for - Free K-6 spelling practice
Price - Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free - no hidden costs
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum coverage
  • ✓ 134+ pre-made spelling lists

Cons

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

IXL

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

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Best for - Complete elementary curriculum
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
5

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive reading program for children ages 2-13 with lessons, games, and books.

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Best for - Early elementary literacy
Price - $70-100/yr
Grades - Ages 2-13
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Wide age range
  • ✓ Comprehensive program
  • ✓ Includes spelling component

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Can be overwhelming
6

ABCmouse

ABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.

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Best for - Early elementary foundation
Price - $45-59/yr
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ Engaging content
  • ✓ Progress tracking

Cons

  • ✗ Requires subscription
  • ✗ Only to age 8

Frequently Asked Questions

VocabularySpellingCity is most comprehensive for K-5. For free, SpellingJoy offers grade-level word lists for all elementary grades.

Our Verdict

VocabularySpellingCity offers the most comprehensive K-5 coverage.

SpellingJoy provides free spelling practice with grade-level word lists for all elementary grades.

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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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