How Students Become Members

Become a Member

Students who excel academically and model exceptional responsibility can become members through a local selection process that concludes with induction into the school’s National Elementary Honor Society chapter.

Membership provides an outstanding means to prepare and shape students for their middle level and high school experiences.

Eligibility Requirements

Students in grades 4-6, who have been enrolled at the school for the equivalent of one semester, and who meet the cumulative GPA requirement (Scholarship) set by their school’s chapter, are eligible to be candidates for membership. Each chapter determines which grade levels will be included in their local selection process.

Each chapter is required to publish a description of their selection procedure, and to consider eligible candidates for membership. A faculty council is required to evaluate and select new members, and a majority vote of the council is required for selection.

  • Scholarship
    Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.)
  • Responsibility – Positive qualities of responsibility may include high standards of honesty and reliability, demonstrating courtesy, concern, and respect of others, and good citizenship. Each chapter sets its own requirements for this criterion.

Once selected and inducted, members continue to demonstrate these qualities, and participate in chapter activities to build and improve their Leadership and Service skills.

Understanding the Obligations of Membership

Students who accept membership and are inducted into the chapter should be aware of the time and commitment involved with this honor. For example, there may be chapter meetings. The chapter bylaws should articulate the yearly meeting schedule and member attendance obligations. Members also must participate in chapter service projects to benefit the school and community.