A school leader is pictured smiling on campus.

Building stronger principals

We provide practical, job-embedded development for current and aspiring principals.

A school leader shake an elementary school student's hand on campus.

Why Principals?

01 Principals are one of the most influential school-based factors for student success, second only to teachers. Under effective principals, high-performing teachers stay longer. Strong principals also improve a school’s learning climate, especially in high-poverty schools. Yet districts struggle to find enough principals who are truly ready to lead.
02 At Holdsworth, principals and other school leaders learn the skills and mindsets needed to succeed and the tools to improve student achievement on their campus. The learning is relevant, timely and applied immediately on the job.
03 Feeling competent and prepared for a difficult job makes a world of difference. Our data show that principals are more likely to stay in their school, district and region after going through Holdsworth.
A principal talks to a young student on campus.

Great principals drive results for students

Stat 1
96 %

of schools who completed our Campus Leadership Program in 2025 improved outcomes for students.

Stat 2
100 %

of principals increased their overall leadership effectiveness, according to their colleagues.

Stat 3
77 %

of Holdsworth principals were either retained or moved up to roles with greater responsibility and influence over the past five years, versus 69% of their non-Holdsworth counterparts.

Explore Programs

Campus Leadership Program
Campus Leadership Program

A 2-year learning journey for principals and their teams to become stronger leaders and drive positive change for students on their campus.

Aspiring Principal Program
Aspiring Principal Program

A yearlong program offering world-class preparation to leaders who seek to become a principal in the Permian Basin region of Texas and New Mexico in the next 1-3 years.

Holdsworth Partnership
Holdsworth Partnership

A multi-year investment to grow stronger leaders within districts and help superintendents and central office staff build their own best-in-class systems to develop a strong bench of principals.

Holdsworth Firsthand

At Holdsworth, school leaders get the knowledge and tools they need to get the results they want for students – but do it in a thoughtful, methodical way that makes teachers and students feel empowered and hopeful.

Charlene Dabney
Holdsworth provides practical leadership tools, strategies for building strong teams, and a focus on sustainable, long-term improvements. The insights you gain will have a lasting impact on your school's culture, student success, and overall effectiveness.

Charlene Dabney

Campus Leader  /  Round Rock ISD

Micah Arrott
Holdsworth is pouring into people so they will stay in the profession in order to continue to touch student lives. It equips you with the tools you need to do the work.

Micah Arrott

Principal  /  Ector County ISD

Regina Jackson
My perspective on leadership has been transformed. I'm now more confident in designing systems that not only address current challenges but also set the stage for long-term success.

Regina Jackson

Principal  /  Mesquite ISD

Stories