Playworks: A National Leader in Evidence-Based Impact

Taking our research to practice.

Playworks is one of only 6 programs in the nation to achieve Tier 1 status under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), backed by rigorous, controlled research from Stanford University and the RAND Corporation.

This recognition sets us apart as a leader in transforming schools through play.

With 12 published studies demonstrating our success, Playworks is proven to improve attendance—especially among chronically absent students—while strengthening social-emotional skills like leadership and empathy. We transform school climates, making them safer and more inclusive, and increase physical activity, keeping kids active and engaged.

We create an environment where kids feel safe, included, and ready to learn. Discover the research behind how Playworks is changing the game for schools across the nation.

“Before we partnered with Playworks, recess was a major disruption in our school day. I’ve recovered 4 hours a day that I used to spend addressing incidents from the playground.”

 – Elementary School Principal

Learn all about how Playworks is using evidence informed to research to impact overall school climate and attendance, physical activity, and social emotional learning.