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Head-to-head · Social-Emotional Learning Software

EVERFI K-12 vs CharacterStrong

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score EVERFI K-12 #2 in Social-Emotional Learning Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit EVERFI
CharacterStrong #7 in Social-Emotional Learning Software 7.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Try CharacterStrong

EVERFI K-12 leads on 1 check, CharacterStrong on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEVERFI K-12 · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly EVERFI K-12

EVERFI K-12 scores higher on our rubric for social-emotional learning software: 8.8 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

EVERFI K-12 offers free plan; CharacterStrong doesn't.

EVERFI K-12 is the better fit for schools seeking free, standards-aligned K–12 courses. CharacterStrong is the better fit for schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions.

  • EVERFI K-12 fits best

    Schools seeking free, standards-aligned K–12 courses

  • CharacterStrong fits best

    Schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions

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Side by side

Feature EVERFI K-12 8.8/10 Visit ↗ CharacterStrong 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 7.8
Ranking #2 in Social-Emotional Learning Software #7 in Social-Emotional Learning Software
Best for Schools seeking free, standards-aligned K–12 courses Schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Phone, Tickets Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features EVERFI K-12 3/3 · CharacterStrong 3/3
SEL assessments ✓ ✓
Student wellbeing program ✓ ✓
Standards alignment ✓ ✓
Specs
Curriculum format Blended Blended
Lesson library size 200 lessons Not checked yet
Grade bands K-12 Pre-K–12
Implementation support Guided Guided
Our review
Pros
  • Unlimited student and teacher licenses at no cost
  • Blends interactive courses with offline lessons and activities
  • Includes assessments, automatic grading and progress reporting
  • PreK–12 Tier 1 curriculum spans elementary, middle and high school
  • Tier 2 screening, intervention matching and progress monitoring
  • Tier 3 pathways address anxiety, depression, trauma and executive functioning
Cons
  • Access is web-based rather than across multiple listed platforms
  • Support is not available 24/7
  • Its broad subject range may not suit schools seeking SEL alone
  • Customized, contact-sales pricing reduces upfront price visibility
  • Web-only delivery may not fit schools seeking native apps
  • Tier 3 pathways target defined needs rather than broad clinical coverage
Our verdict

For schools building social-emotional learning into a wider K–12 curriculum, EVERFI K-12 combines interactive digital courses with companion offline lessons, activities and planning resources. Its courses cover health and wellness…

Read the review →

CharacterStrong delivers a cloud-based, web platform for PreK–12 social-emotional learning and multi-tiered supports. Schools and districts receive Tier 1 curriculum for elementary, middle-school and high-school grade bands, covering…

Read the review →
  1. EVERFI K-12Social-Emotional Learning Software 8.8Free plan
  2. CharacterStrongSocial-Emotional Learning Software 7.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EVERFI K-12 — where it wins

    • Unlimited student and teacher licenses at no cost
    • Blends interactive courses with offline lessons and activities
    • Includes assessments, automatic grading and progress reporting

    Where it doesn't

    • Access is web-based rather than across multiple listed platforms
    • Support is not available 24/7
    • Its broad subject range may not suit schools seeking SEL alone

  • CharacterStrong — where it wins

    • PreK–12 Tier 1 curriculum spans elementary, middle and high school
    • Tier 2 screening, intervention matching and progress monitoring
    • Tier 3 pathways address anxiety, depression, trauma and executive functioning

    Where it doesn't

    • Customized, contact-sales pricing reduces upfront price visibility
    • Web-only delivery may not fit schools seeking native apps
    • Tier 3 pathways target defined needs rather than broad clinical coverage
  • EVERFI K-128.8/10 · Free plan

    Free K–12 courses pair interactive lessons with offline activities, assessments and reporting.

    Visit EVERFIFull verdict →
  • CharacterStrong7.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A PreK–12 SEL and MTSS suite for schools needing curriculum, screening and targeted intervention paths.

    Try CharacterStrongFull verdict →

More comparisons

All Social-Emotional learning software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update