You do not need an expensive or high-powered computer to use Homeschool Pro. The program is online and can generally be accessed from any current device that can connect to the internet and use a modern web browser.
For the best learning experience, we recommend using a laptop, desktop computer, Chromebook, or tablet.
Which Devices Can Students Use?
Homeschool Pro can be accessed on devices such as:
- Windows laptops and desktop computers
- Mac computers and MacBooks
- Chromebooks
- iPads
- Android tablets
- Smartphones
There is no required computer brand or operating system. A basic device that can browse the internet and play online videos should usually be sufficient.
What Do We Recommend for Regular Lessons?
A laptop, desktop computer, Chromebook, or tablet will provide the best experience.
A larger screen makes it easier for students to:
- Watch teacher-led video lessons
- Read lesson instructions
- Navigate between classes and lessons
- Complete quizzes and assignments
- Open Study Guides and worksheets
- View diagrams, charts, and other learning materials
You do not need to purchase a new device if your family already has one that can reliably browse the internet and stream videos.
Can My Student Use a Smartphone?
Yes. Homeschool Pro can be accessed on a smartphone, and a phone may be helpful temporarily while traveling or when another device is unavailable.
However, we do not recommend a smartphone as the student’s main learning device. The smaller screen can make lesson navigation, worksheets, quizzes, reading materials, and detailed video content harder to view and complete comfortably.
For regular schoolwork, a laptop, Chromebook, desktop, or tablet will usually provide a much better experience.
What Internet Connection Do We Need?
Students need a reliable internet or Wi-Fi connection to sign in, open classes, and watch lesson videos.
You do not need a special type of internet service, but the connection should be strong enough to stream online video. If videos pause frequently or do not load, try:
- Moving closer to the Wi-Fi router.
- Closing other programs or browser tabs using the internet.
- Restarting the router and device.
- Trying another internet connection, if available.
Which Browser Should We Use?
Use a current version of a modern web browser, such as:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
Keeping the browser updated can help prevent video, navigation, and login problems.
If something does not work correctly in one browser, try opening Homeschool Pro in another browser. Browser extensions, privacy settings, or cached files can occasionally interfere with online lessons.
Do We Need to Install Special Software?
For most Homeschool Pro classes, no special software needs to be installed. Students sign in and access their classes through a web browser.
Some classes may recommend a separate app, program, instrument, or basic project supplies for a particular activity. Any special instructions will be provided within that class.
Do We Need Speakers or Headphones?
Yes. The primary instruction is delivered through teacher-led video lessons, so the device should have working speakers or be able to connect to headphones.
Headphones can be especially useful when:
- More than one student is working nearby
- A parent is working from home
- The student needs help concentrating
- The family is learning while traveling
Do We Need a Printer?
No. A printer is optional.
Most worksheets, Study Guides, and other downloadable materials are provided as PDF files. Students can:
- Print the materials
- Download and save them to the device
- Read them directly on the screen
- Write their answers in a notebook or on separate paper
Families who prefer paper-based work may find a printer helpful, but it is not required to use the Homeschool Pro curriculum.
Can More Than One Student Share a Device?
Yes. Siblings can share a computer or tablet as long as they take turns and each student signs in with their own Homeschool Pro account.
Be sure to sign out before another student begins so that lessons, quizzes, and course progress are recorded under the correct student.
What If the Program Is Not Working on Our Device?
Try these basic steps:
- Refresh the page.
- Confirm that the device is connected to the internet.
- Update the browser.
- Clear the browser cache and restart it.
- Try a different browser.
- Restart the device.
- Try another device or internet connection, if available.
If a class video is blank or not playing, see:
If the problem continues, contact us and include the device, browser, and a screenshot of the issue.
Help Center