The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (plus citizenship for NJHS).
- National Honor Society: Students in grades 10-12
- National Junior Honor Society: Students in the 2nd semester of 6th grade through 9th grade
- Scholarship: 85%, B average or 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Service: Volunteer service conducted by the student without compensation
- Leadership: Leadership experience from school and community can be considered
- Character: Positive character qualities including honesty, respect, courtesy, etc.
- Citizenship: Civic involvement and demonstration of civic values such as freedom, democracy and justice.
- NHS and NJHS National Conference: Held in November of each year, the National Conference offers sessions for both members and advisors to learn a variety of skills.
- Leadership Experience and Development Conferences: LEAD conferences offer leadership traingint to National Honor and Junior Honor Society student leaders and advisors.
- The National Honor Society Scholars Bowl® takes place at the NHS & NJHS National Conference in November. Teams consist of 5 students and an advisor. Teams participate in a qualifying exam and short-answer rounds. The top 4 teams advance to the finals.
- Outstanding Service Awards Competition: Conference attendees may enter their chapter's service project.
- President's Education Awards Program: Eligible students may receive either the President's Award for Educational Excellence or the President's Award for Educational Achievement for academic achievement through hard work and love of learning. Get more information here.
- American Citizenship Award: Awarded to students who display positive character qualities such as being prepared for class, volunteering to help, and being respectful of others. Get more information here.
Two (2) senior high school students may be nominated from each chapter to compete for their part of $200,000. Students will be chosen for state, regional and national awards based on their scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Get more information here.
The National Honor and Junior Honor Societies are school-based organizations. Check your child's Middle/Junior High or High School for an Honor Society Chapter. If you cannot find information at your child's school, check the State NHS & NJHS Associations and Contacts list.
The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society recognize students' achievements in class and in the community and encourage children to continue doing their best in these areas. In a society where students are often pressured to let academics and service slide (they aren't “cool” activities), Honor Society provides a support system where children can develop friends with similar goals while having fun. If you have a student who qualifies, the National Honor Society and National Junior Society are good choices to encourage values that will carry her into her future.