Second Step® Advantage
- Trusted by 45,000+ schools nationwide
- Used by 20 million+ students
- 96% educator satisfaction
- Largest multi-state independent study in the category
- Measurable improvements in climate, behavior, and academic readiness
- 2x winner of 2025 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence
Stronger school climate, better outcomes—for every student
For more than 40 years, Second Step® programs have helped educators create learning environments where students can thrive, learn, and grow. Developed by Committee for Children, a mission-driven nonprofit advancing the safety and well-being of children since 1979, the Second Step PreK–12 programs are validated by the largest evidence base in the category.
Our human skills programs are the most widely used human skills programs in the nation, trusted by over 45,000 schools and serving more than 20 million students. With simple, high-quality lessons and comprehensive district-level support that make implementation smooth and sustainable at scale, educators help students strengthen the human skills they need to succeed—strengthening belonging, improving behavior, and boosting academic readiness.
Centered on students. Built for real classrooms. Designed for whole districts.
Easy
Simple rollout. Implementation Playbook. Flexible pacing. Tiered supports for Grades K–8 that fit real-world classrooms.
Proven
Validated by WestEd in the largest multi-district independent study in the category—25,000+ elementary and middle school students across multiple states
Trusted
Decades of student success, 96% customer satisfaction score, and districtwide adoption nationwide
Nonprofit
Mission-driven, reinvesting in research, innovation, and long-term educator support
Why choose Second Step® programs?
1. Consistency across the full learning journey
One PreK–12 system that grows with students and strengthens school climate
- Programs are intentionally designed for early learning through high school.
- Skills build developmentally over time, supporting belonging and readiness to learn.
- Shared language and aligned practices across grades create a consistent climate experience for every student.
2. A strong foundation in research and evidence
Confidence grounded in what helps students thrive
- Program design is informed by developmental science, meeting students where they are.
- Independent, ESSA-aligned evidence demonstrates impact across grade bands.
- Ongoing evaluation ensures students benefit from approaches proven to strengthen school climate.
3. A nonprofit model focused on continuous improvement
Programs built to evolve with student needs and district goals
- Revenue is reinvested into program quality, updates, and educator support.
- Continuous improvements are informed by real educator feedback.
- Decisions are guided by educational impact, not commercial interests.
4. Strengthening learning beyond the classroom
Reinforced learning for every student, every family, every community
- Family engagement materials are available in 13 languages.
- Resources are designed to support diverse communities and school cultures.
- There are opportunities to extend skill-building beyond the school day.
5. Support designed to sustain long-term success
Curriculum meets real partnership
- Live customer support is available from knowledgeable staff.
- Guided onboarding and implementation promote smooth districtwide rollout.
- Tools help teams monitor progress and sustain climate gains over time.
