About | Dates and Deadlines

In 2025 NASSP will expand its program by recognizing both Middle Level and High School Awardees.

  • NASSP National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year
  • NASSP National High School Assistant Principal of the Year

The NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These assistant principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.

Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, and the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools may select one middle level assistant principal and one high school assistant principal to represent their state. For an assistant principal of a school that covers both levels, they must submit for either the middle level or high school award.

Then, the applications of these state winners are reviewed by past state principals of the year, industry leaders and experts, and NASSP staff. After these reviews, three finalists are named as contenders for both middle level and high school level National Assistant Principal of the Year awards. The NASSP Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year and High School National Assistant Principal of the Year are selected from among the finalists.

For more information on the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program, contact [email protected].

Dates and deadlines for the National Assistant Principal of the Year program

  • September 1, 2024
    • 2025 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year application available online
      • Deadline date – varies by state
        Check with your state affiliate for their application date

  • December 15, 2024
    • All state affiliate winners’ online applications are due to NASSP

  • January 2025 – April 2025
    • All state winners’ applications reviewed

  • Spring 2025
    • Three finalists for 2025 NASSP Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year and NASSP High School National Assistant of the Year will be announced
    • 2025 NASSP National Assistant Principals of the Year are announced during an in-person event in the Washington, D.C. area