Best Second Step Alternatives in 2026
The top Second Step alternatives are ClassDojo, EVERFI K-12 and Panorama Education: 15 Social-Emotional learning software our editors would look at instead of Second Step, in our ranking order.
Second Step: Structured SEL lessons, assessment resources, and implementation support for schools. Where it falls short: digital program pricing requires contacting sales..
Switching from Second Step? For most social-emotional learning software buyers the best Second Step alternative is ClassDojo, built for schools seeking broad classroom SEL and family tools. EVERFI K-12 offers the most lesson library size (200 lessons).
Why People Look for a Second Step Alternative
- Digital program pricing requires contacting sales
- The listed digital program is a single-site school license
- Cloud-based delivery is web-only
- No free plan — 4 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallClassDojo9.1
Schools seeking broad classroom SEL and family tools
Visit ClassDojo - Best free optionClassDojo9.1
Has a free plan (Second Step has none)
Visit ClassDojo - Most lesson library sizeEVERFI K-128.8
200 lessons
Visit EVERFI K-12
All 15 Second Step Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forSchools seeking broad classroom SEL and family tools
- Better than Second Step:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.7
A free classroom SEL toolkit for behavior feedback, student portfolios, and family communication.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit ClassDojo -
Best forSchools seeking free, standards-aligned K–12 courses
- Better than Second Step:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.7
Free K–12 courses pair interactive lessons with offline activities, assessments and reporting.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit EVERFI -
Best forDistricts focused on SEL measurement and MTSS
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.7
A K–12 SEL and MTSS platform linking surveys, interventions and district data.
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forDistricts needing tiered K–12 SEL curriculum
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.7
A district-focused SEL platform spanning student lessons, assessment, and adult learning.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit RethinkEd -
Best forSchools needing a large, scaffolded PK–12 curriculum
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.7
A broad PK–12 SEL curriculum with assessments, screening options, and district reporting.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Navigate360 -
Best forDistricts needing tiered SEL across devices
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.7
A broad school-based SEL program with tiered interventions, assessments and managed implementation.
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit QuaverReady -
Best forSchools seeking SEL plus targeted interventions
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.7
A PreK–12 SEL and MTSS suite for schools needing curriculum, screening and targeted intervention paths.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.8/10★★★★☆Try CharacterStrong -
Best forSchools wanting extensive grade-level lessons
- Better than Second Step:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.7
A broad PreK–12 SEL system combining lessons, wellness content, measurement, and coaching.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit 7 Mindsets -
Best forSchools needing editable lessons and wellbeing trends
A school wellbeing platform pairing editable lessons with surveys and student insights.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Wellio -
Best forSchools favoring video-based daily SEL practice
A broad PreK–12 SEL program pairing daily video practice with interventions and family support.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.6/10★★★★☆Contact sales -
Best forSchools seeking personalized SEL and behavioral skills
A flexible school SEL tool with personalized lessons, self-assessment and MTSS support.
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Ripple Effects -
Best forSchools seeking free elementary SEL and family tools
- Better than Second Step:
- Free plan
A free Pre-K–6 SEL curriculum with family resources and optional paid tools.
- Standards alignment
- Student wellbeing program
7.5/10★★★★☆Try Sanford Harmony -
Best forK–8 educators focused on student strengths
- Better than Second Step:
- Free plan
Thrively pairs student strengths assessments with CASEL-aligned SEL lessons and progress tools.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Thrively -
Best forElementary schools building social skills and regulation
A structured elementary SEL curriculum with lessons, assessments, and family resources.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forSchools seeking scripted, blended SEL lessons
A scripted, blended SEL curriculum with tracking, family resources, and translation tools.
- Standards alignment
- SEL assessments
- Student wellbeing program
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Pasela
Second Step Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Second Step?
ClassDojo: #1 in our Social-Emotional Learning Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. A free classroom SEL toolkit for behavior feedback, student portfolios, and family communication.
Is there a free alternative to Second Step?
Yes. ClassDojo, EVERFI K-12, Sanford Harmony and Thrively have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for Second Step alternatives?
Digital program pricing requires contacting sales; The listed digital program is a single-site school license; Cloud-based delivery is web-only.
Which Second Step alternative has the most lesson library size?
EVERFI K-12, with 200 lessons.
How do I switch from Second Step?
Export your data from Second Step (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Second Step.
How to Switch from Second Step
- Export your data from Second Step (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Second Step.
Second Step vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Curriculum format | SEL assessments | Student wellbeing program | Standards alignment | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Second Step | No | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 1 | ClassDojo | Yes | 9.1 | |||||
| 2 | EVERFI K-12 | Yes | Free | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 3 | Panorama Education | Digital | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |||
| 4 | Rethink Ed | Digital | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 | ||
| 5 | Navigate360 SEL (Compass Curriculum) | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 | ||
| 6 | QuaverReady | No | Digital | Yes | Yes | 7.9 | ||
| 7 | CharacterStrong | No | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 8 | 7 Mindsets | Digital | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 | ||
| 9 | Wellio | No | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 10 | Move This World | Digital | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.6 | ||
| 11 | Ripple Effects | Digital | Yes | Yes | 7.6 | |||
| 12 | Sanford Harmony | Yes | Blended | Yes | Yes | 7.5 | ||
| 13 | Thrively | Yes | Digital | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.5 | |
| 14 | PurposeFull People | Digital | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.4 | ||
| 15 | Positive Action | No | $240/yr | Blended | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.4 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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