National Honor Society

Who We Are

National Honor Society (NHS) membership has been the true mark of student achievement for over 100 years, but it goes far beyond a report card. By empowering, championing, and recognizing well-rounded students, NHS provides schools with a values-based framework to elevate a culture of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

NHS chapters operate in all 50 states and many schools around the world, engaging and serving more than 1.4 million students. Each year, the average NHS chapter contributes:

  • 1,000 hours of school/community service

  • $26,000 in charitable donations

  • 1,000 pounds of food to local, state, and national causes

Reflecting school leaders’ profound commitment to student leadership development, the the National Principals Association founded NHS in 1921 based on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. In addition to NHS, the National Principals Association founded and manages National Junior Honor Society (est. in 1928), National Association of Student Councils (est. in 1931), and National Elementary Honor Society (est. in 2008).