What Are Second Step® Programs?
The Second Step family of programs is an evidence-based, research-backed curriculum spanning PreK through high school. These award-winning programs provide leaders and educators with the tools to equip students with the essential human skills that strengthen school climate, support academic success and improve student well-being, making it easy to make a difference—in the classroom today and in the workforce tomorrow. The K–8 digital programs have been proven to:
- Boost academic performance
- Improve attendance
- Reduce negative behaviors
- Enhance school climate
By equipping students with tools to build healthy relationships, overcome setbacks, solve real-world problems, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, Second Step programs help our students grow as academic learners and classroom leaders. In today’s rapidly changing world, Second Step programs offer a proven path to lifelong learning and success.
Why Do Districts Choose to Use Second Step® Programs?
Today’s students are navigating a variety of unprecedented pressures: chronic absenteeism, rising mental health concerns, disruptive behaviors, and threats to safety and belonging. These issues don’t just affect academics; they shape the entire school experience. To truly support students, districts need a proven, easy-to-implement, research-backed solution that transforms school climate and empowers every learner. That’s where Second Step K–12 programs come in.
Grounded in decades of research and trusted by educators nationwide, Second Step programs are designed to drive improvements in student outcomes, promoting overall well-being for students and staff. They help students strengthen the essential human skills—like empathy, resilience, emotion regulation, and communication—that fuel lifelong success. Schools that implemented Second Step K–8 digital programs with fidelity saw a more positive school climate, fewer office referrals, and improved academic motivation and performance.
Students deserve the tools to thrive—in the classroom, in their communities, and in their futures.
Second Step® Early Learning
Second Step Early Learning helps PreK students strengthen foundational human skills that support their academic and social readiness, including:
- Active listening, focusing, and following directions
- Sharing and cooperating
- Managing feelings and behavior
- Friendship skills and problem-solving
This evidence-based program ensures that when Kindergarten comes, our students are ready to learn, connect, and thrive.
Second Step® Elementary Digital Program
The evidence-based Second Step Elementary digital program helps elementary students develop essential human skills that support their learning, relationships, and overall well-being.
Through dynamic content, interactive instructor-facilitated lessons, extension activities, small group lessons, and educator resources, the program fosters engaged learning environments where all students strengthen skills like goal-setting, collaboration, respectful communication, and many more. These skills serve as building blocks for lifelong learning, setting up our students to thrive in school and life.
Second Step® Middle School
Second Step Middle School supports students through these key transitional years by fostering environments where they can confidently develop the skills that support academic success and well-being.
This evidence-based program includes engaging lessons and a library of over 200 advisory activities on real-world topics, ranging from managing conflict to developing a positive sense of self. Students learn to communicate, process emotions, and make mature decisions—all skills that will serve them today and well into adulthood.
Second Step® High School
Second Step High School equips students with essential human skills that fuel success during high school and prepare them for college, career, and community.
Grounded in research and shaped by educator input, the program’s flexible format integrates seamlessly into classrooms and busy schedules, making it easy to support academic learning without sacrificing instructional time.
With both educator practices for classrooms and schoolwide practices for leaders to implement sitewide, this program fosters a connected, positive school culture where every student has the tools to succeed in high school and beyond.
Second Step® Out-of-School Time
Second Step Out-of-School Time is an evidence-based program designed to meet the unique needs of out-of-school time settings. Built on the foundation of Second Step® Elementary, Second Step Out-of-School Time helps K–5 students strengthen human skills like community-building, empathy, kindness, and growth mindset. The program is built on a play-based and action-oriented foundation. It requires minimal preparation and is designed to accommodate mixed grade-level groups.
Second Step® SEL for Adults
When educators thrive, so do their students. Second Step SEL for Adults is a professional learning program designed to elevate the well-being, resilience, and human connection of K–12 educators, leaders, and staff. Created by educators for educators, this program helps them build real-world tools to foster trust, reduce burnout, and build a positive school climate.
Bullying Prevention Unit
The Second Step® Bullying Prevention Unit empowers K–5 students to recognize, report, and refuse bullying. It equips schools with proactive strategies to foster a safe school environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.
Child Protection Unit
The Second Step® Child Protection Unit helps build a foundation for safe schools and thriving students. It includes training, guidance, and resources for leaders, educators, and families as well as age-appropriate lessons for PreK–5 students to build safety awareness and connect with trusted adults.