Dates and deadlines for the National Principal of the Year program


December 4, 2023
2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year application is now available


Date varies by state
State affiliate application deadline

May 1, 2024
All state affiliate winners’ online applications are due to NASSP

October 2024

2025 National Principal of the Year finalists are announced during National Principals Week

Later in October 2024 (date TBD) – 2025 National Assistant Principal of the Year announced at State Principal of the Year Celebration in Washington, D.C.

The NASSP National Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school principal to represent their state.

From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award. The NASSP National Principal of the Year is selected from among the finalists.

NASSP honors all State Principals of the Year at an invitation-only event held each year in Washington, D.C. This special event not only salutes the principalship but also provides a forum for honorees to advocate for education and share best practices and expertise.

For more information or questions about the NASSP National Principal of the Year program, contact [email protected] or 703-860-7280.