Alexandria, Virginia—October 1, 2025—The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is proud to announce the launch of the National Gold Star School Program, a prestigious annual award designed to recognize and honor exceptional schools across the U.S.

The National Gold Star School Program celebrates schools that go beyond academic achievement to foster inclusive, thriving learning communities. NAESP believes that great schools are defined not only by student performance but also by their culture of care, trust, and high expectations. These schools are places where students and adults feel valued, where instruction continuously improves, and where collaboration and commitment to growth are at the heart of the school’s mission.

“At NAESP, we know that outstanding schools are built on more than test scores,” said NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE. “They are built on strong relationships, inclusive practices, and systems that empower everyone to succeed. The National Gold Star School Program honors those schools that exemplify these values every day.”

Three Pillars of Excellence

The recognition program is grounded in NAESP’s framework of the Three Pillars of the Principalship:

• Established Culture: Shared values, family engagement, and well-being.
• Empowered People: Collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic support.
• Optimal Systems: Effective use of talent and resources, district support, and strategic focus.

Each pillar includes key practices that reflect how effective principals lead and are informed by core priorities such as trusting positive relationships; diversity, equity, and inclusion; high expectations for growth; and social and emotional development.

Eligibility and Application

Nominations are open to any active NAESP member who serves as a principal or an assistant principal of a U.S. public or non-public school serving grades pre-K through 8. The school’s principal must have a minimum of five years’ experience as a principal and have served at the applying school for the previous three school years. Schools must apply as a whole if located on the same campus. Honored schools will be eligible to reapply after a designated period.

The National Gold Star School Advisory Committee will review applications using a comprehensive rubric based on the three pillars. Awarded schools will receive a certificate and banner, and two representatives will be invited to a special ceremony at NAESP’s annual national summer conference.

Timeline Highlights

• Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026
• Award Notification: April 1, 2026
• Public Announcement: May 1, 2026
• Recognition Ceremony: July 13–15, 2026, at National School Leaders Conference Powered By NAESP in Orlando, Florida

NAESP is especially proud to launch this new recognition program during National Principals Month—a dedicated time to recognize the great work school leaders are accomplishing in their schools.

For more information, visit naesp.org/ngss or email NAESP Assistant Executive Director, Executive Services and Recognition Programs, Nikki Sparks at nsparks@naesp.org.