• California Healthy Kids Survey

    The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is an anonymous, confidential survey sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). It is administered to students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11. The survey gathers information on students’ health-related behaviors (such as physical activity, nutrition, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use), their sense of school connectedness, and barriers they face in learning, school safety and climate, and protective factors that support youth resilience. 

    Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Your child does not have to take the survey.

    Purpose
    The CHKS provides data for schools and districts to understand student wellness, school climate, and related behaviors. It supports planning of programs and initiatives to promote a safe and supportive learning environment. California Department of Education

    Participation details

    • The survey is administered every two years.

    • For students in grade 5, parental/guardian active consent is required (a written permission must be obtained). data.calschls.org

    • For students in grades 7–12, passive consent may be used: parents/guardians are notified and may opt their child out.

    • The relevant legal references include California Education Code §§ 51513 and 51938(c) regarding surveys of personal beliefs or practices relating to health behavior and risks. California Department of Education 

    Additional notes

    How can you review the survey content
    You may review the core modules and any supplementary modules before your child’s participation. 

    CDE sample documents are provided below: