Home › Civics & economics › Programs › iCivics

iCivicsSupplement

Free games, lesson plans and webquests that teach how government works, aimed at grades 6–12.

Updated September 2026 · 5 sources

Grades6th–12th (games work from about 5th)
ViewpointNonpartisan
ApproachInteractive games, short lessons and webquests
Who teachesThe program does the teaching
Parent prepLow (free account; pick a game or lesson)
Screen timeOnline
Video lessonsAvailable: some lessons include video, but the games are the core
Cost$0: free with a free account (source)
PlacementiCivics: for families
Free account; pick games by topic

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how iCivics ranks against 3 other supplements.

See my match

What parents say

Reviewers praise the thoughtful games and easy-to-use lessons, all free. Common Sense Education notes the games are single-player and the site is built for classrooms, so homeschoolers may need to adapt it.

Parents love

  • Entirely free
  • Games make the courts and Congress concrete
  • Little prep

Common complaints

  • Built for classrooms
  • Games are single-player
  • Not a full year of civics on its own

Who it fits

Best for

  • Government and the Constitution. Branches, rights, courts and elections
  • Nonpartisan, no stated viewpoint. Nonpartisan civics education nonprofit
  • Projects and simulations. Games and simulations
  • No, just learning. Great enrichment
  • Online. Runs online
  • Minimal: solo work. Kids can play and learn alone
  • Some: 20–30 min daily.

Less suited for

  • Personal finance.
  • Yes, for the transcript. A supplement, not a full course
  • Mostly offline. Screen-based

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

Similar programs

Comparisons

Questions parents ask

Is iCivics a full civics or economics course?

No. We list iCivics as a supplement: it's enrichment to use alongside a core program, not a full course on its own.

How does iCivics teach civics and economics?

iCivics is described as interactive games, short lessons and webquests. Parent prep: low (free account; pick a game or lesson).

What grades does iCivics cover?

iCivics covers grades 6th–12th (games work from about 5th).

How much does iCivics cost?

$0: free with a free account.

What viewpoint does iCivics teach from?

Nonpartisan.

Does iCivics count for a high school credit?

No. A supplement, not a full course

Is iCivics online?

Online. The program does the teaching.

Does iCivics have a placement test?

Yes. iCivics: for families. Free account; pick games by topic

Sources (5)

Summaries are in our own words.