California Healthy Kids Survey

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is a comprehensive, whole child, school climate, and youth risk behavior and resilience data collection service available to all California local education agencies and other states.

One of the most comprehensive surveys of its kind in the nation, CHKS is a modular survey instrument that assesses school climate and safety, student engagement, student supports, and social-emotional, behavioral, and physical health.

CHKS Developmental Framework

A unique feature of the CHKS is its strength-based focus and theoretical framework drawn from research about resilience and youth development. The survey assesses three fundamental developmental supports in the school, family, community, and peer group:

• positive adult relationships
• high expectations (academic and behavioral)
• opportunities for meaningful participation and decision-making

Customizable Features

The modular structure of the CHKS enables users to configure and customize the survey to explore local concerns and interests. Separate elementary, middle, and high school versions are currently available, and three regional centers provide comprehensive technical assistance on survey administration and use of results.

Reports and Data

The CHKS is designed to provide data and reports that are representative of schools, districts, counties, and the state as a whole. Approximately 70 percent of school districts participate in the CHKS in California, with county-level data available for approximately 50 of California’s 58 counties.

The Biennial State CHKS, funded by the California Department of Health Care Services, collects CHKS data from a randomly selected sample of secondary schools, providing statewide results that are representative of all students in grades 7, 9, and 11.

Explore the California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey Data Dashboard for the latest CHKS statewide, county, and district-level survey results. View trends over time and examine disparities among different student sub-groups.