What CharacterStrong does

CharacterStrong provides K-12 schools and school districts in the United States with a comprehensive, research-backed social-emotional learning (SEL) and character development platform built on a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) architecture. The core technology spans Tier 1 universal curricula (PurposeFull People for PreK-5, a 6-8 middle school curriculum with 35 plug-and-play lessons per grade level, and a 9-12 high school curriculum with 100 total lessons), Tier 2 targeted interventions delivered through the proprietary CST2 digital platform (screening tools, intervention matching, fidelity tracking, and progress monitoring), and Tier 3 intensive individualized supports via the CST3 platform (interventions for anxiety, depression, executive functioning, and trauma with student workbooks and progress monitoring). Underpinning the professional development layer is the proprietary SERVE Model instructional framework (Start, Engage, Respond, Value, Exit) and an On Demand PD platform with 15+ courses and over 300 videos. The product is validated by three completed randomized controlled trials (one on PurposeFull People submitted to the School Mental Health journal) and ongoing continuous-improvement research with educators, students, and families.

CharacterStrong generates revenue through three primary streams: (1) annual subscription licensing of its curriculum and MTSS platform to schools and districts, priced on a quote basis according to student count, grade levels served, and tier level (Tier 1 only, Tier 2 only, Tier 3 only, or bundled MTSS), with multi-year contracts and grant-funded purchases common; (2) fee-for-service professional development including Curriculum Readiness Training Levels 1 and 2, Proactive Classroom training, Tier 2 and Tier 3 readiness and certification programs, and MTSS Implementation Specialist certification ($349–$399 per seat); and (3) event revenue from the annual CharacterStrong National Conference (NatCon, with tiered registration at $749 early bird / $789 regular) and regional Brain and Behavior training events. The go-to-market is a sales-led enterprise motion targeting K-12 districts, anchored by "Request a Quote" and "Book a Call" CTAs and supplemented by content marketing, video case studies, webinars with partner organizations, and a self-serve digital access layer post-purchase.

The company is headquartered at 150 Rouse Blvd, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA, operating as a subsidiary of Capital Schools, Inc. (firmographic data lists Puyallup, WA; the company's own website and privacy policy confirm the Philadelphia address). Named enterprise customers include Jefferson County Public Schools (96,000 students), Los Angeles Unified School District (513 schools), Austin ISD, Merced Union High School District, Boone County School District, Tangipahoa Parish School System, and individual schools such as Gray Middle School, Highland Middle School, South Doyle Middle School, and Truman Middle School. The platform is used in over 12,000 schools across all 50 U.S. states, and the company has not disclosed any external venture or private equity funding rounds, with reported headcount of 11–50 employees constraining the pace at which bookings can scale.

Name

CharacterStrong

Legal name

CharacterStrong, LLC

Website

https://characterstrong.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CharacterStrong provides K-12 schools and districts with a comprehensive whole-child MTSS platform spanning Tier 1 SEL curricula (PreK-12), Tier 2 targeted interventions, and Tier 3 intensive supports, complemented by professional development, certifications, and an annual conference. The platform serves over 12,000 schools across all 50 U.S. states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social-Emotional Learning Platform

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Curriculum, Lesson Planning & Instructional Content Platforms (EDAJAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Behavioral Intervention & PBIS Supports (Tiered, Gen Ed) (EDAJAGAL), High-Intensity Tutoring / Response to Intervention (RTI/MTSS Tier 2–3) (EDAKADAH), Specialized Programs & Classrooms (Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, Intellectual/Developmental, Multi-Disability) (EDAJAKAH)

Keywords

• Social emotional learning
• Character education curriculum
• MTSS platform K-12
• School culture training
• Tiered student support

Headquarters

HQ city

Puyallup

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Curriculum and MTSS Platform Subscription: CharacterStrong generates revenue through annual subscription licensing of its curriculum and MTSS platform to schools and districts. Pricing is customized based on number of students served, grade levels implemented, and tier level (Tier 1, 2, 3, or bundled MTSS). Schools purchase school-wide or district-wide licenses with access to curriculum, resources, and ongoing support. Multi-year contracts are available.
2. Professional Development and Training Services: Revenue generated from fee-for-service professional development including Curriculum Readiness Training (Level 1 and Level 2), Proactive Classroom training, Tier 2 and Tier 3 readiness/solution trainings, and certification programs. Training is delivered virtually or in-person, with per-trainer and per-attendee pricing structures.
3. National Conference Registration: Revenue from the annual CharacterStrong National Conference (NatCon), with tiered registration pricing ($749 early bird, $789 regular) and pre-conference workshop fees ($99/person). Also generates revenue from regional brain and behavior training events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CharacterStrong provides a comprehensive whole-child MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) solution for K-12 schools spanning Tier 1 universal character and social-emotional learning curricula, Tier 2 targeted small-group interventions, and Tier 3 intensive individualized support. Offerings include proprietary digital platforms (CST2 and CST3), research-backed PreK-12 curricula, professional development, certification programs, and an annual national conference.

Product overview

CharacterStrong is a comprehensive whole-child MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) solution that operates as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offerings include PurposeFull People (elementary curriculum PreK-5), Middle School Curriculum (grades 6-8), and High School Curriculum (grades 9-12) at Tier 1, supplemented by Tier 2 Solution (CST2) for targeted small-group interventions and Tier 3 Solution (CST3) for intensive individualized support. These curriculum products are complemented by Professional Development modules including Curriculum Readiness Training, On Demand PD, Tier 2/3 Certification and Training, MTSS Certification, Proactive Classroom training, Regional Training, MTSS Implementation Packages, and the annual National Conference. The platform provides research-backed life skills instruction, character education, bullying prevention, and safety units integrated across all tiers to support school culture, student belonging, well-being, and academic engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PurposeFull People A life skills and character education curriculum for elementary schools (PreK-5) that provides weekly grade-level lessons teaching self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, with built-in bullying prevention and safety lessons.
• Middle School Curriculum A research-backed, vertically-aligned 6th-8th grade curriculum with 35 plug-and-play lessons per grade level, featuring bullying prevention, safety lessons, and school-wide challenges designed to positively impact school culture and climate.
• High School Curriculum A research-backed 9th-12th grade curriculum with 100 total lessons (25 per grade level), vertically-aligned and available in English and Spanish, including bullying prevention, safety lessons, college and career readiness, and other policy-driven topics.
• Tier 2 Solution (CST2) A comprehensive Tier 2 solution providing screening tools, a dashboard for matching students to supports, 4 small-group curricula, 6 evidence-based performance interventions, attendance supports, and professional learning for students requiring targeted behavioral and social-emotional support beyond Tier 1.
• Tier 3 Solution (CST3) A digital platform for intensive, individualized Tier 3 interventions addressing anxiety, depression, executive functioning, and trauma, featuring student workbooks, progress monitoring tools, function-based interventions, and monthly professional development for educators.
• Curriculum Readiness Training Professional development program with Level 1 (Foundations) and Level 2 (Focusing) training delivered virtually or in-person, designed to help educators implement CharacterStrong curriculum with fidelity.
• On Demand PD A digital professional development platform offering 15+ courses with over 300 videos, including 3-10 minute instructional modules, guided notes, PLC resources, and expert interviews accessible online 24/7.
• Tier 2 Professional Development Tier 2 readiness and solution training programs designed for school teams leading Tier 2 efforts, including virtual booster sessions and in-person training options for up to 75 attendees.
• Tier 3 Professional Development Tier 3 readiness and solution training programs designed to support schools building or rebooting Tier 3 systems of supports, including the 4-step implementation process and behavior intervention planning.
• Tier 2 Certification A 2-day certification training event for building, district, and regional leaders focused on high-fidelity, sustainable implementation of Tier 2 systems, providing clock hours toward re-licensure.
• Tier 3 Certification A 2-day certification training for school, district, and regional leaders in advanced tools and research-based strategies for high-fidelity, sustained implementation of Tier 3 supports.
• MTSS Certification A 2-day Implementation Specialist certification training providing building, district, and regional leaders with tools, resources, and skills grounded in implementation science to drive successful MTSS implementation.
• Proactive Classroom A full-day evidence-backed training on the SERVE Model (Start, Engage, Respond, Value, Exit), an instructional and relational framework designed to strengthen academics, behavior, and connection across classrooms.
• Regional Brain and Behavior Training A 1-day training on CharacterStrong's research-backed instructional framework providing educators with tools to impact student behavior and school culture through the SERVE model.
• CharacterStrong National Conference (NatCon) Annual national conference offering educator-led breakout sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities focused on whole-child education, relationships, and school culture. NatCon 2026 scheduled for July 23-24, 2026 in Tacoma, WA.
• MTSS Implementation Packages Tailored support packages including Foundations, Level Up, and Sustainability Partnership tiers, offering in-person training days and virtual coaching for schools implementing MTSS.

Quantifiable outcome

• 52% decrease in disciplinary referrals (from 436 to 217 in one year)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Catapult LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026CharacterStrong co-authored a white paper with Catapult Learning titled 'Beyond Dosage: How Relationships Drive Outcomes in High-Impact Tutoring.' The paper examines how tutor-student relationships transform tutoring into meaningful learning gains. CharacterStrong data showing students can gain up to eight months of learning in a single school year was included in the research. Catapult Learning is a division of FullBloom. Both companies co-present the findings at a June 22 webinar for district administrators and education leaders.
• 50CANcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 202650CAN is a panelist in a free 45-minute professional development webinar hosted by Catapult Learning (June 22), alongside CharacterStrong and Catapult Learning. The webinar focuses on the role of tutor-student relationships in driving tutoring outcomes. 50CAN contributes expertise in education policy and advocacy as a partner in the discussion on strengthening tutoring initiatives.
• Capital Schools, Inc.coreOthersCapital Schools, Inc. is the parent company of CharacterStrong, LLC. Per the Privacy Policy, CharacterStrong may share user information with Capital Schools, Inc. for operational, administrative, or compliance purposes. Capital Schools is subject to the same confidentiality and data protection obligations and does not sell or use personal information for unrelated purposes.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• RethinkEd: RethinkEd delivers K-12 SEL, mental health, and special education platforms with Tier 1-3 content and progress monitoring. Its comprehensive MTSS scope and behavior/mental health focus overlap heavily with CharacterStrong's CST2 and CST3 offerings.
• 7 Mindsets: 7 Mindsets is a K-12 social-emotional and character development curriculum used in schoolwide implementations. Its outcome-focused, research-anchored curriculum directly parallels CharacterStrong's life-skills and character education products across grade bands.
• ClassDojo: ClassDojo is a widely used K-12 classroom management and SEL/character development platform with a large teacher-installed base. It addresses overlapping pain points—school culture, student behavior, and social-emotional routines—in the same elementary and middle-school segments as CharacterStrong.
• PBIS Rewards: PBIS Rewards is a schoolwide PBIS implementation and behavior-tracking platform aligned to Tier 1 supports. CharacterStrong's SERVE Model and Tier 1 culture work compete with PBIS Rewards for the same Tier 1 behavior-management budget line.
• Panorama Education: Panorama is a leading K-12 SEL and MTSS platform offering universal screeners, intervention tracking, and student-success dashboards. It directly overlaps with CharacterStrong's CST2 and CST3 progress-monitoring capabilities and competes for the same district MTSS budgets.
• Aperture Education: Aperture Education provides the DESSA SEL assessments and a Tier 1-3 social-emotional platform for schools and districts. It competes with CharacterStrong's screening tools (within CST2) and its universal SEL curriculum in similar district RFPs.
• Choose Love Movement: Choose Love Movement offers a K-12 SEL/character education curriculum widely adopted in U.S. public schools. It competes for the same Tier 1 character-education adoption dollars that CharacterStrong targets with PurposeFull People and its secondary curricula.
• Committee for Children (Second Step): Committee for Children produces the Second Step SEL curriculum, one of the most widely adopted K-12 SEL programs in the U.S. It competes head-to-head with CharacterStrong's Tier 1 PurposeFull People and secondary curricula for district curriculum adoptions.

Broad incumbents

• PowerSchool: PowerSchool is the dominant K-12 SIS and student-data platform with adjacent MTSS, SEL, and behavior-tracking capabilities. As districts consolidate vendors onto core SIS stacks, PowerSchool's scale and data integrations represent an indirect threat to standalone MTSS specialists such as CharacterStrong.
• Nearpod: Nearpod is a broad K-12 instructional platform with lesson delivery, formative assessment, and SEL-adjacent content. While not an MTSS specialist, its reach and school-level contracts place it in competitive overlap for district-wide content and engagement budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/careacter
• Facebookfacebook.com/characterstrong
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/characterstrong

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CharacterStrong