2026 NGSS Application
The application window for the 2026 NGSS program is now open!
Apply by January 31, 2026.
Program Background
NAESP believes that outstanding learning communities are organized around three main pillars:
An established culture Empowered people Optimal systems
These pillars are mutually supportive, mutually dependent, and overlapping; without one, the strength of the other two is compromised. Within each pillar are three key practices that represent “how” effective schools operate. Each pillar and practice is informed by a shared set of priorities that constitute the “why” of what effective schools do every day. Altogether, they represent core beliefs about the characteristics, in addition to quality academics, of successful learning communities.
*The NGSS program is organized around the philosophies detailed in NAESP’s Leading Learning Communities: Pillars, Practices, and Priorities for Effective Principals. Learn more about this resource, or download the Executive Summary.
Selection & Criteria
Each year, recognized schools are selected by the NAESP National Gold Star School Advisory Committee, comprised of NAESP National Distinguished Principals from each NAESP zone.
Elementary and middle-level principals and assistant principals who are current members of NAESP may nominate their school for National Gold Star School recognition. The school must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions and support to the program’s three main pillars.
Criteria established by NAESP requires that:
The school’s nominating principal or assistant principal must be a current member of NAESP at the time of nomination and maintain membership through the school’s NAESP recognition event.
The school’s principal must have a minimum of five years’ experience as a lead principal and have served at the applying school for the previous three school years.
Nominated schools must be in good standing with all local, state, and federal ordinances.
Nominated schools must demonstrate evidence of outstanding practices supporting the three pillars of NGSS.
Anyone currently holding a position on the NAESP Board of Directors or the NGSS Advisory Committee are ineligible to apply while in that role.
Honored NGSSs may not apply again for 5 years after receiving the award.
For questions or more information, contact us at ngss@naesp.org.