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Head-to-head · Social-Emotional Learning Software

Rethink Ed vs CharacterStrong

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Rethink Ed #4 in Social-Emotional Learning Software 8.6/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit RethinkEd
CharacterStrong #7 in Social-Emotional Learning Software 7.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Try CharacterStrong

Rethink Ed leads on 0 checks, CharacterStrong on 0, and 4 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 scoreRethink Ed · 8.6/10

Rethink Ed scores higher on our rubric for social-emotional learning software: 8.6 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

On curriculum format, CharacterStrong gives you Blended where Rethink Ed offers Digital. On implementation support, Rethink Ed gives you Managed where CharacterStrong offers Guided.

Rethink Ed is the better fit for districts needing tiered K–12 SEL curriculum. CharacterStrong is the better fit for schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions.

  • Rethink Ed fits best

    Districts needing tiered K–12 SEL curriculum

  • CharacterStrong fits best

    Schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Rethink Ed 8.6/10 Visit ↗ CharacterStrong 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 7.8
Ranking #4 in Social-Emotional Learning Software #7 in Social-Emotional Learning Software
Best for Districts needing tiered K–12 SEL curriculum Schools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets Email, Docs
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Rethink Ed 3/3 · CharacterStrong 3/3
SEL assessments ✓ ✓
Student wellbeing program ✓ ✓
Standards alignment ✓ ✓
Specs
Curriculum format Digital Blended
Lesson library size Not checked yet Not checked yet
Grade bands K-12 Pre-K–12
Implementation support Managed Guided
Our review
Pros
  • Differentiated Tier 1, 2, and 3 student lessons
  • Assessments, incident tracking, and individualized progress reporting
  • Managed implementation with Clever and Schoology integrations
  • 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
  • Districts must contact sales for customized pricing
  • Norm-referenced student assessments cover grades 3–12
  • Its wider behavior, wellness, and special-education tools may exceed SEL-only needs
  • 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

RethinkEd brings K–12 social-emotional learning curriculum, assessments, and progress tools together for schools and districts. Its digital lessons are differentiated across Tier 1, 2, and 3, while adult professional-development sessions…

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. Rethink EdSocial-Emotional Learning Software 8.6Pricing on request
  2. CharacterStrongSocial-Emotional Learning Software 7.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Rethink Ed — where it wins

    • Differentiated Tier 1, 2, and 3 student lessons
    • Assessments, incident tracking, and individualized progress reporting
    • Managed implementation with Clever and Schoology integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Districts must contact sales for customized pricing
    • Norm-referenced student assessments cover grades 3–12
    • Its wider behavior, wellness, and special-education tools may exceed SEL-only needs

  • 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
  • Rethink Ed8.6/10 · Pricing on request

    A district-focused SEL platform spanning student lessons, assessment, and adult learning.

    Visit RethinkEdFull 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