Who We Are
The National Principals Association (principals.org) is the national professional home for principals and assistant principals across the PreK–12 continuum. As the unified voice of the profession, it brings school leaders together to strengthen leadership, elevate their collective influence, and support student success at every stage. Built on more than a century of leadership and commitment to school leaders, the organization advances the profession through advocacy, professional learning, and peer networks.
By connecting leaders across grade levels, the National Principals Association reflects the full student journey and ensures school leaders are supported, represented, and equipped to lead. Recognizing that strong school leadership shapes student outcomes, the organization also advances student leadership development through nationally recognized programs, including the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and the National Association of Student Councils. These programs engage more than 16,000 school leaders, 30,000 advisers, and 1 million students nationwide.
Learn more about our student programs at:
National Elementary Honor Society
National Association of Student Councils
What We Do
At the National Principals Association, we are cultivating a generation of courageous school and student leaders to shape and strengthen an education system that meets every student’s needs by providing equitable access and opportunity.
We serve school and student leaders through:
Community. The National Principals Association, has built a series of Leadership Networks to serve as peer-led safe spaces for school and student leaders to connect with their peers and share their experiences, challenges, successes, and opportunities. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, we have a network for you! Learn more about the Leadership Networks.
Professional Learning. Through our award-winning publications, professional development opportunities, conferences, access to research-based and peer-tested resources, and more, we equip our members with the tools they need to serve as visionary school and student leaders. Learn more about the National Principals Association’s leadership growth opportunities.
Amplifying Your Voice. What school and student leaders think matters. We elevate the voices of school and student leaders through our magazine, blog, social media, and in the news. Learn more about the National Principals Association’s news and publications.
Advocacy. From the halls of power in Washington, D.C., to local school districts, the National Principals Association fiercely advocates for school and student leaders. We ensure that your voices are heard by those making decisions that affect our learning communities. Learn more about our advocacy work.
Recognition. From principals to students, school leadership is crucial—and excellent leadership should be recognized. Through our Principal of the Year program, Assistant Principal of the Year program, NHS Scholarship, NASC Scholarship, NJHS Outstanding Achievement Awards, NASC National Council of Excellence program, and Distinguished Student Leader programs, the National Principals Association recognizes and celebrates the leaders who make our schools great. Learn more about our recognition programs.
Let’s connect!
