Top 10 School Principals - 2025

Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported in their school. That belief has guided Ashley Hanlon throughout her career as an educator and school leader. Today, as Elementary School Principal at Grand Isle School within the Grand Isle Supervisory Union in Vermont, she continues to build a culture rooted in belonging, curiosity, and compassion. Her leadership blends structure with empathy, reminding everyone that schools thrive when relationships come first. Here is our conversation with her.

Jenna McIntosh is a seasoned education leader with experience in advancing student-centered learning and school leadership at St. Anthony Catholic School. She began her journey as a middle school math teacher, bringing firsthand classroom experience before transitioning into leadership roles. Since becoming the principal of St. Anthony in 2022, McIntosh has established herself as a trusted voice in fostering academic excellence, faith-based leadership and community engagement.

Debbie Armendariz is a seasoned educational leader with expertise in system-level change, bilingual programming and instructional leadership. From building an English Language Learning department to leading multiple language immersion programs, leading a school, and coaching principals, she excels at developing teams, fostering equity and guiding schools to achieve sustainable, high-quality outcomes for students and communities.

Shelby Moffitt is a School Improvement Specialist for Student Behavior and Wellness at Southern Oregon Education Service District. With a strong background in education leadership, project management and communication, she excels in building partnerships, driving innovation, and enhancing student outcomes through data-informed strategies, collaboration and professional development initiatives.

Channel Hutchinson is a School Principal at Dallas Independent School District, bringing over 15 years of experience in education leadership, teaching and administration. Skilled in facilitation, training delivery and technology integration, Channel excels in fostering academic excellence, empowering educators and creating inclusive learning environments that support student growth and success.

John Cline is the High School Principal at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. A seasoned educational leader, he is dedicated to advancing student achievement, professional growth and school-wide excellence. His expertise includes curriculum leadership, staff development and creating a collaborative, high-performing learning environment for both students and educators.

Clay Scarborough is the Principal at Navarro High School. With extensive experience in educational leadership, he has progressed from instructional coaching to assistant principal roles. Clay specializes in curriculum development, staff mentorship and fostering student success, driving academic excellence and creating a collaborative, engaging and supportive learning environment.

Moses McKenzie Jr. is an accomplished educational leader currently serving as School Principal and Vice Principal at Paterson Public Schools. With extensive experience in school administration, culture and operations, he specializes in transformational leadership, mentoring, and fostering inclusive, safe and engaging learning environments for diverse student communities.

Justin Reese, Ed.D., is the High School Principal at the School District of Lancaster in Pennsylvania. With extensive experience in educational leadership, he has held roles as assistant and interim principal, excelling in school administration, student engagement and community collaboration. Justin specializes in fostering academic excellence and nurturing supportive learning environments.

Katie Grassa, Ed.D., is the School Principal at Curley K-8 School within Boston Public Schools. With over two decades of experience in education, she has expertise in school leadership, transformation initiatives, and instructional development. Katie excels in fostering academic growth, mentoring staff and creating supportive, student-centered learning environments.