Duolingo is ubiquitous and free, making it the default starting point for many homeschool families exploring foreign language. The gamified format (XP points, streaks, leaderboards) keeps kids engaged. The app covers 40+ languages including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Hawaiian. As a standalone curriculum, Duolingo has limitations: it doesn’t develop strong conversational skills, and the grammar explanations can be thin. But as a daily supplement — 10–15 minutes of practice alongside another program or tutor — it’s excellent for vocabulary building and habit formation. Note: some families have concerns about occasional progressive content in certain languages; preview before assigning to younger students.

At a Glance