10 Best Tools and Apps Supporting SEL in Schools for 2024
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is no longer a supplemental element in modern education — it’s a central pillar. As schools recognize the enormous benefits of SEL on academic performance, student well-being, and school culture, technology is stepping up to make SEL accessible, engaging, and data-driven. In this guide, we review the 10 best tools and apps supporting SEL in schools for 2024, helping educators and administrators choose the right digital solutions for thier communities. Whether you are looking to enhance classroom management, monitor student emotions, or deliver tailored SEL lessons, you’ll find the best options here.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process by which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL has become vital to fostering well-rounded, resilient, and empathetic students.
benefits of Using SEL Tools and Apps in Schools
- Enhanced Student Engagement: Interactive platforms make SEL lessons more engaging.
- Data-Driven Insights: Apps provide real-time analytics to tailor interventions.
- Accessible Resources: Digital tools offer a wealth of SEL curricula and activities.
- Inclusivity: Many apps support diverse learners with personalized content.
- Teacher Support: Streamlined platforms make it easier for educators to implement SEL programs.
10 Best Tools and Apps for SEL in Schools (2024 Edition)
1. Second Step
Second Step remains a gold standard in SEL for its evidence-based curriculum and modern digital platform. In 2024, Second Step integrates online teacher training, multimedia lessons, and assessment dashboards. Its K–8 programs focus on skills like emotion management, empathy, and responsible decision-making.
- Ready-to-use digital lessons and activities
- Teacher & family engagement resources
- Flexible for remote and in-person learning
2. Classcraft
Classcraft uses gamification to enhance SEL engagement through customizable quests, class-wide rewards, and teamwork missions. The platform embeds SEL goals—like collaboration and positive reinforcement—into every interaction.
- Game-like educational experiences
- Behavior tracking & rewards
- SEL progress analytics
3. Panorama for social-Emotional Learning
Panorama’s comprehensive platform offers SEL surveys and analytics to help schools understand student needs, measure SEL competencies, and guide interventions. Teachers access a curated SEL resource library based on real-time data.
- Robust SEL and climate surveys
- Customizable dashboards
- Actionable insights for educators
4. Character Lab
Character Lab is a nonprofit tool that brings research-backed activities to the classroom. its Playbooks include practical SEL strategies that foster resilience, gratitude, and growth mindset. The digital platform provides bite-sized activities for daily practise.
- science-based SEL resources
- Free and easy integration
5. Pearson Review360
Pearson’s Review360 offers digital behavior monitoring and SEL screening tools compatible with major assessment standards. It supports K–12 educators with intervention resources, progress monitoring, and SEL reports.
- Comprehensive behavior and SEL screening
- Targeted intervention resources
- Automated progress tracking
6. ConfidenceLab
This innovative app focuses on building student confidence, self-expression, and emotional literacy, using multimedia check-ins and virtual journaling. Teachers receive insights into classroom needs and can adjust SEL activities in real-time.
- Intuitive daily check-ins
- Data-driven reporting
- Accessible on all devices
7. EmoSpark
Tailored for K–8, EmoSpark leverages artificial intelligence to analyze students’ emotional states and suggest supportive content—like guided meditations or conflict-resolution activities—based on their responses.
- Emotion recognition
- Adaptive content recommendations
8. Mindfulness in Schools
Mindfulness in Schools delivers evidence-based mindfulness and SEL programs to promote emotional regulation and resilience. Features include guided audio sessions, mindful movement videos, and teacher guides—all accessible online.
- Mindfulness tools tailored for students and staff
- Teacher training resources
- Flexible implementation models
9.Mood Meter
Developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Mood Meter prompts students and teachers to recognize and label their emotions, supporting emotional awareness, self-regulation, and empathy with vivid visual tools and journaling features.
- User-friendly emotion tracking
- insights into classroom emotional climate
- Activity suggestions based on mood data
10.Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Tools
Six Seconds delivers a comprehensive SEL toolkit and assessment system for schools, including lesson plans, games, and leadership training modules. The platform’s EQ Assessments help districts measure growth in real-world skills and support a whole-school SEL approach.
- research-based curriculum
- EQ assessment for students, educators, and parents
- Dynamic lesson library
How to Implement SEL Tools and Apps in Your School
Choosing the right SEL platform is only the first step. Integrating digital SEL resources into school culture requires strategy, training, and community buy-in. Here are some practical tips for triumphant implementation:
- Start Small: Pilot your chosen SEL app in a few classrooms and gather teacher and student feedback.
- Professional Development: Schedule regular PD sessions so teachers can master platform features and best practices.
- Involve Stakeholders: Engage parents and students in conversations about the tools and their benefits.
- Monitor and Adjust: Use app analytics to track progress and refine your approach each semester.
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge improvements in SEL competencies, both individually and school-wide.
Real-World Case Study: SEL App Impact
Case Study: Panorama Ed in Action
At Roosevelt Middle School, adoption of Panorama for SEL led to a 17% increase in student self-reported well-being in just one semester. Teachers cited the data dashboards for enabling quick, informed interventions, and a 2023 survey showed that 94% of staff felt more confident addressing SEL topics. “The actionable feedback helped us create a more empathetic and connected school culture faster than we thought possible,” said SEL Coordinator Amy Rowe.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEL Apps
- Q: Can SEL apps replace in-person instruction?
A: No,SEL apps are designed to augment,not replace,face-to-face relationship building. The best outcomes happen when digital tools support and extend classroom activities.
- Q: Are these SEL tools suitable for all ages?
A: Most tools offer age-appropriate content for various grade levels, from elementary through high school. Always review the platform’s curriculum to ensure a good fit for your students.
- Q: How do schools ensure privacy with SEL data?
A: All leading SEL apps listed comply with FERPA and COPPA, ensuring student data privacy and security. Always review vendor privacy policies before implementation.
Conclusion: Elevate Student Well-being with the Best SEL Tools
Investing in high-quality Social-Emotional Learning tools and apps is one of the most impactful ways a school can support student well-being, improve classroom climate, and build lifelong skills. The ten digital resources highlighted above offer a wide variety of approaches—from gamification and data analytics to mindfulness and personalized check-ins. when thoughtfully integrated, these SEL platforms can help every learner thrive—in 2024 and beyond.
Ready to take your school’s SEL program to the next level? Explore these tools, involve your learning community, and watch your students blossom academically, emotionally, and socially. For more expert guides about SEL in schools, check out our resource center!