What are the best free digital test prep resources for middle school students preparing for state assessments?

Here are some of the best free digital test prep resources for middle school students preparing for state assessments. I’ve grouped them by type so it’s easier to find what fits your needs.

Best overall free resources

1. Khan Academy

• Best for: Math, reading, grammar, and study skills
• Why it’s good: Clear lessons, practice questions, videos, and personalized practice
• Bonus: Great for filling skill gaps before state tests
• Website: khanacademy.org

2. CK-12

• Best for: Math, science, and some reading support
• Why it’s good: Free digital textbooks, practice, simulations, and adaptive learning
• Website: ck12.org

3. IXL free sample practice

• Best for: Targeted skill practice
• Why it’s good: Good for reviewing specific standards
• Note: Full access is paid, but the free sample can still help
• Website: ixl.com

4. CommonLit

• Best for: Reading comprehension and informational text
• Why it’s good: Thousands of free passages with questions and vocabulary support
• Website: commonlit.org

5. ReadWorks

• Best for: Reading comprehension
• Why it’s good: Free passages, question sets, and vocabulary activities
• Website: readworks.org

State-test-specific practice

6. State Department of Education websites

• Best for: Official practice tests, released items, and test blueprints
• Why it’s good: These are the closest match to the real exam
• Tip: Search for your state plus:
  • “practice test”
  • “released items”
  • “blueprint”
  • “sample questions”

7. Smarter Balanced / PARCC resources

• Best for: States using these assessment systems
• Why it’s good: Official practice tests and training tests are often available
• Tip: Check whether your state uses Smarter Balanced, PARCC, or another system

Math-focused tools

8. Desmos

• Best for: Graphing and math reasoning
• Why it’s good: Many state tests allow Desmos or use a similar graphing calculator interface
• Website: desmos.com

9. Math Antics

• Best for: Easy-to-understand math review videos
• Why it’s good: Great for re-teaching foundational middle school topics
• Website: mathantics.com / YouTube

Science-focused tools

10. PBS LearningMedia

• Best for: Science and inquiry-based learning
• Why it’s good: Free videos, activities, and classroom-ready resources
• Website: pbslm.org

11. SciShow Kids / Crash Course Kids

• Best for: Science review in video format
• Why it’s good: Engaging and age-appropriate explanations
• Website: YouTube

Study and practice platforms

12. Quizizz

• Best for: Interactive review games and teacher-made quizzes
• Why it’s good: Fun, low-stress practice
• Website: quizizz.com

13. Gimkit

• Best for: Game-based review
• Why it’s good: Motivating for middle schoolers
• Note: Free features may be limited
• Website: gimkit.com

14. Blooket

• Best for: Vocabulary and content review
• Why it’s good: Engaging practice games
• Website: blooket.com

Writing and language support

15. NoRedInk free features

• Best for: Grammar and writing practice
• Why it’s good: Helpful for language conventions and editing skills
• Note: Some features are paid
• Website: noredink.com

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Best picks by need

• For math: Khan Academy, CK-12, Desmos, Math Antics
• For reading: CommonLit, ReadWorks, Khan Academy
• For science: CK-12, PBS LearningMedia, Crash Course Kids
• For official state-test prep: State DOE practice tests and released items
• For fun review: Quizizz, Blooket, Gimkit

Quick tip

The best prep strategy is usually:

1. Use official state practice items first
2. Review weak skills with Khan Academy or CK-12
3. Practice reading with CommonLit or ReadWorks
4. Do short review games with Quizizz or Blooket

If you want, I can also make:

• a subject-by-subject list
• a teacher-friendly resource chart
• or a middle school test prep plan for 2–4 weeks