A printable option
What's a good IXL alternative for homeschool families who want less screen time?
Quick answer
Homeschool Packets is a printable — and fillable — K–8 alternative to an on-screen practice app: personalized weekly packets, a parent answer key, and attendance and report cards included. IXL is a large, adaptive digital skill library with family memberships from $9.95 a month (official U.S. price on November 9, 2026). We cover kindergarten through 8th grade; IXL goes through high school. This page compares format and official prices, not slogans.
A homeschool dad made these packets for his own kid, and they work: short, friendly pages with real practice, a little comic at the start, and the records many families need to keep. If you are comparing options, here is a straight comparison of format and official prices — not a slam on IXL, which is a well-known practice app a lot of schools and families use.
How IXL and Homeschool Packets differ
| Topic | IXL (family membership) | Homeschool Packets |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Screen-based practice in a web app and mobile apps, with adaptive questions and explanations. | Printable PDF packets, plus a fillable PDF for an iPad, tablet, or computer. Writing by hand is the recommended path. |
| Grades | Family subject lists include Math from Pre-K to Calculus, Language arts from Pre-K to 12, Science from K to Physics, and Social studies from K to 12. | Kindergarten through 8th grade. (For grades 9–12, see High School Packets.) |
| Subjects on the listed plans | Single subject: Math or Language arts. Combo: both. Core subjects: Math, Language arts, Science, and Social studies. | Math, English (reading and writing), Science, History/Social Studies, Spanish, Art, Coding, and Life Skills. Pick 1, 4, or all 8. |
| Monthly price (as of Nov 9, 2026) | $9.95 single subject, $15.95 combo, $19.95 core subjects, from the official family pricing page. Other billing options may be available on IXL's site. | $7 for one subject, $25 for any four, $40 for all eight. Cancel anytime. |
| Personalization | Adaptive questions that adjust in difficulty, plus progress tracking. | Your child's first name and interests appear in the header, word problems, reading, and the opening comic. |
| Answer keys and records | Digital progress tracking in the app. | A full parent answer key with every packet, plus a per-child attendance log and quarterly report cards you can edit. |
What IXL does well
IXL is a large digital practice library. Family memberships are sold for home use, questions adapt to a child's level, and there are mobile apps for practice on the go. The grade span goes well past middle school, including high school math. If you want a deep, on-screen skill bank with instant feedback, that is the job IXL is built for.
When a printable packet may fit better
Some families look for an IXL alternative because they want less time in a practice app, work that can go on the fridge, or a simple weekly rhythm with records already attached. Homeschool Packets is built for that kind of day:
- A printable packet and a fillable version arrive by email.
- Every packet starts with a Max & Nib comic, then gets to the work.
- Parents get a complete answer key.
- Attendance logs and quarterly report cards are included in every plan. You can upload a photo, scan, or filled PDF of finished pages in the parent portal. When an answer key is available, objective items can be scored automatically. Open-ended writing is flagged for you to review, and you can enter or override any grade.
We recommend a pencil on paper when you can. On days you need a tablet, the fillable PDF works on an iPad, Android tablet, or computer. There is a short how-to on Homeschool made easy.
Plans
Monthly, cancel anytime: $7 for one subject, $25 for any four, or $40 for all eight. Digital PDFs, no shipping.
See plans Try a fillable sample Free printables
Related: A Prodigy alternative that isn't a video game · Homeschool made easy · Printable worksheets by grade · How to start homeschooling
IXL® is a registered trademark of IXL Learning. Homeschool Packets is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by IXL Learning. Comparison details above are limited to verifiable facts (format and official prices). Always confirm current prices and features on IXL's site.
FAQ
What is a good IXL alternative for homeschool?
If you want skill practice on paper or a tablet instead of a practice app, Homeschool Packets is a printable and fillable K–8 option. Each packet is personalized with your child's first name and interests, comes with a parent answer key, and includes attendance logs and report cards. IXL remains a large, adaptive digital practice library that goes through high school; we cover kindergarten through 8th grade.
How much does IXL cost for families?
On IXL's official U.S. family pricing page on November 9, 2026, monthly family memberships were $9.95 for a single subject (Math or Language arts), $15.95 for the Combo package (Math and Language arts), and $19.95 for Core subjects (Math, Language arts, Science, and Social studies). Prices can change; check IXL for current rates. Homeschool Packets plans are $7, $25, and $40 per month.
Is IXL a full homeschool curriculum?
IXL is a digital skill-practice library with adaptive questions and progress tracking. Many families use it as practice alongside a curriculum, not as a complete school day by itself. Homeschool Packets is a weekly packet with lessons and practice in the subjects you pick, plus records. Neither one replaces your responsibility to follow your state's homeschool rules.
Do Homeschool Packets include answer keys?
Yes. Every packet includes a full parent answer key. Score boxes on the key can feed that child's report card. Open-ended writing is for you to review.
Can I use this if I still like some screen practice?
Yes. This is not an either-or. Some families keep a short session in a practice app and use packets for the main daily work, handwriting, and records.