A principal is generally the chief administrator of an elementary school, middle school, or high school. Primary or elementary education is the first years of formal, structured education that occurs during childhood. ... Middle school (also known as intermediate school or junior high school) covers a period of education that straddles primary education and secondary education, serving as a bridge between the two. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In many Australian schools, a principal is the head administrator of a school who has been appointed to his position by the school board, superintendent, or other body. The principal, often in conjunction with the school board, makes the executive decisions that govern the school, as well as having the authority over the employment (and in some cases firing) of teachers. The principal is often the chief disciplinarian of the students. In many US schools, however, student discipline is the vice-principal's responsibility, and broader school decisions are the duty of the principal. An academic administration is a branch of university or college employees responsible for the maintenance and supervision of the institution and separate from the faculty or academics, although some personnel may have joint responsibilities. ... Students in Rome, Italy. ... This article or section should be merged with board of education A school board (or school committee) is an elected council that helps determine educational policy in a small regional area, such as a city, state, or province. ... School Discipline is a form of discipline found in schools. ... The word student is etymologically derived through Middle English from the Latin second-type conjugation verb stŭdērĕ, meaning to direct ones zeal at; hence a student is one who directs zeal at a subject. ... An assistant principal is an administrator at an elementary, middle, or a high school. ...

In larger schools the principal is assisted by one or more vice-principals, assistant principals, or deputy principals. Their position is secondary to the principal with regard to school governance. Assistant principals generally perform specific duties such as handling student discipline or curriculum, whereas the principal has the ultimate responsibility for the school as a whole. An assistant principal is an administrator at an elementary, middle, or a high school. ...

Books and documents relating to the early days of public education show that the title was originally Principal Teacher, which was somewhat more in keeping with the Head Teacher title sometimes used in England.

See also

• Head teacher
• Schoolmaster
• Vice-principal
• Assistant principal