# Gather ‘Round Homeschool vs Forge Learning Academy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gather ‘Round Homeschool at none against Forge Learning Academy's 10. Gather ‘Round Homeschool also leads on ratings volume (90 vs 5). Forge Learning Academy's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Forge Learning Academy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Gather ‘Round Homeschool asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Gather ‘Round Homeschool against 5.0 for Forge Learning Academy. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gather ‘Round Homeschool has 90 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Gather ‘Round Homeschool ships an update weekly, Forge Learning Academy every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gather ‘Round Homeschool | Forge Learning Academy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gather-round-homeschool/id6743009501/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forge-learning-academy/id6778564139/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **90** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 144 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gather 'Round Homeschool Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1760160495) | [CARLOS SETH BOLTON](https://appshunter.io/developer/6778564141) |

## What reviewers say

### Gather ‘Round Homeschool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gather-round-homeschool/id6743009501)

Connect with a supportive homeschool community, access exclusive resources, and find encouragement. This app offers live chats, free downloads, and a place to ask questions. An optional membership unlocks podcasts, printables, and more to enhance your homeschooling journey.

**Highlights:** Supportive homeschool community, Exclusive resource links, Live chats and Q&A sessions, Free downloads, Podcasts and printables (membership), Encouragement and training

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Forge Learning Academy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forge-learning-academy/id6778564139)

This comprehensive K-12 homeschool platform offers an AI tutor, a complete curriculum aligned to state standards, and tools for parental control. Families can choose between Faith-Forward or Standard Academic modes for all subjects, with options for financial literacy, character development, and vocational trades.

**Highlights:** AI tutor with step-by-step explanations, K-12 curriculum aligned to state standards, Faith-Forward and Standard Academic modes, Financial literacy and character development, College and career prep, Parent dashboard for progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Unlimited | $8.99 | per month |
| 1 Extra Student Seat | $8.99 | per month |
| 2 Extra Student Seats | $17.99 | per month |
| forge_seat_3 | $26.99 | per month |
| Single Student | $29.99 | per month |
| 4 Extra Student Seats | $35.99 | per month |
| 5 Extra Student Seats | $44.99 | per month |
| Family Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| Single Student (Annual) | $299.99 | per year |
| Annual Family Plan | $499.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gather ‘Round Homeschool free?

Gather ‘Round Homeschool is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Forge Learning Academy free?

Forge Learning Academy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Gather ‘Round Homeschool or Forge Learning Academy?

Forge Learning Academy is rated higher. Gather ‘Round Homeschool averages 4.9 out of 5 from 90 ratings, while Forge Learning Academy averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Gather ‘Round Homeschool or Forge Learning Academy have ads?

Neither Gather ‘Round Homeschool nor Forge Learning Academy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gather ‘Round Homeschool or Forge Learning Academy?

Gather ‘Round Homeschool ships an update weekly, and Forge Learning Academy every 4 days. Most recently, Gather ‘Round Homeschool was updated on October 30, 2026 and Forge Learning Academy on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*