The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) was established in 2008 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals(NASSP) in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). NEHS recognizes students in both public and nonpublic elementary schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility. Through NEHS, students provide meaningful service to the school and community and develop essential leadership skills. NEHS supports these purposes by strengthening the lives of our nation's elementary students and the schools in which they are enrolled.

By starting a chapter, elementary schools create a method for acknowledging achievement and focusing on the needs of the total child. In addition, NEHS provides information and resources to enhance the culture of achievement in the whole school, not merely the culture of a select few.

As the nation's newest student recognition program, NEHS joins the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and National Honor Society (NHS), the nation's two oldest and largest student recognition programs, in creating a continuum of excellence being established throughout the elementary, middle, and high school education community.