Novakid Review 2026: Best Online English Classes for Kids?
Honest Novakid review for 2026. Pricing at $10-15 per lesson, teacher qualifications, and how it compares to Lingokids, iTalki, and Preply for kids.
Our Rating
9.0/10
Best for
Ages 4-12, live 1-on-1 lessons
Certified native teachers
Gamified learning platform
Novakid is an online English school designed specifically for children ages 4 to 12. Unlike self-paced apps, Novakid connects your child with a live, certified teacher for 25-minute 1-on-1 lessons. The platform combines structured curriculum with gamification to keep young learners engaged.
With over 1 million registered students and teachers from English-speaking countries, Novakid has become one of the most popular choices for parents who want their children to learn English through live interaction. This review covers pricing, teacher quality, curriculum, and how it compares to other options like Lingokids and iTalki.
What Is Novakid?
Novakid is an online English learning platform founded in 2017. It offers live 1-on-1 video lessons with certified teachers for children ages 4 to 12. Each lesson lasts 25 minutes, which research shows is the optimal attention span for young learners.
The curriculum is CEFR-aligned (Pre-A1 to B1) and includes over 700 interactive lessons. The platform uses a virtual world with rewards, stars, and avatars to motivate children through the learning journey.
Novakid Pricing 2026
| Plan | Lessons | Price per Lesson | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 8 lessons/month | ~$15.00 | ~$120/month |
| Standard | 12 lessons/month | ~$12.50 | ~$150/month |
| Premium | 16 lessons/month | ~$10.50 | ~$168/month |
Novakid offers a free trial lesson so you can evaluate the platform before committing. Compared to other live tutoring options like Preply ($10-30/hour) and iTalki ($5-30/hour), Novakid's pricing is competitive for the specialized children's curriculum it provides.
Teacher Quality
Novakid requires all teachers to have a university degree, a teaching certification (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or equivalent), and at least one year of teaching experience with children. Teachers are native-level English speakers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.
The hiring process is rigorous: only about 5% of applicants are accepted. Teachers undergo background checks, demo lessons, and regular performance reviews. This is a key differentiator from platforms like iTalki, where anyone can become a community tutor without formal teaching qualifications.
Once hired, Novakid teachers receive ongoing training in child psychology, classroom management, and the platform's teaching methodology. Parents can also rate and review teachers after each lesson.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- + Certified native-speaking teachers with child-friendly approach
- + Structured CEFR-aligned curriculum (Pre-A1 to B1)
- + Gamified platform keeps children motivated
- + Free trial lesson with no commitment
- + 25-minute lessons designed for young attention spans
- + Detailed progress reports for parents
Cons
- - More expensive than self-paced apps like Lingokids
- - Only for children up to age 12
- - Fixed curriculum with limited customization
- - Scheduling requires advance booking (no instant lessons)
- - Not suitable for teenagers or adults
Curriculum and Learning Path
Novakid's curriculum is divided into levels based on the CEFR framework. Children start at Level 0 (absolute beginner, Pre-A1) and can progress through Level 5 (B1 intermediate). Each level includes around 60-80 lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Lessons follow a consistent structure: warm-up, new vocabulary introduction, guided practice, free practice, and a cool-down game. Teachers use visual aids, props, and on-screen activities to maintain engagement throughout the 25-minute session.
After each lesson, children earn stars and rewards through the platform's gamified system. This helps build motivation and encourages regular attendance. Parents receive a post-lesson summary that includes what was covered, how the child performed, and suggestions for practice.
Platform Experience
Novakid's lesson platform runs in a web browser, so no software installation is needed. The interface is colorful and child-friendly, with interactive elements that the teacher and student can use together.
Key platform features include an interactive whiteboard, drag-and-drop exercises, speaking recognition for pronunciation practice, and a virtual rewards system. Parents can book lessons through the Novakid website or mobile app, choosing preferred teachers and available time slots.
Age Suitability
Novakid is specifically designed for children ages 4 to 12. The content and teaching methods are tailored to each age group:
- Ages 4-6: Focus on listening, basic vocabulary, and simple phrases. Lots of songs, games, and visual aids. Parents may need to assist at the beginning.
- Ages 7-9: Introduction to reading and writing. More structured grammar and sentence building. Children can participate independently.
- Ages 10-12: Full sentence construction, storytelling, and conversation practice. Preparation for Cambridge YLE exams.
Novakid vs Other Options
| Feature | Novakid | Lingokids | iTalki |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age range | 4-12 | 2-8 | 7+ (parent-supervised) |
| Lesson format | Live 1-on-1, 25 min | Self-paced app | Live 1-on-1, 30-60 min |
| Teacher certification | Required for all | N/A (no teachers) | Optional (community tutors) |
| Price | $10-15/lesson | $8-15/month | $5-30/lesson |
| Curriculum | CEFR Pre-A1 to B1 | CEFR Pre-A1 to A2 | Custom by tutor |
Want a side-by-side breakdown? Read our Lingokids vs Novakid comparison, our Cambly Kids vs Novakid comparison, or our full Cambly Kids review.
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