Principal Appreciation Day, also known as School Principals' Day, is usually celebrated on May 1st every year. This day recognizes and honors the hard work and dedication of school principals in ensuring schools run smoothly and provide safe, welcoming, and academically challenging environments for students. Some schools may celebrate on a different day, such as the first Friday in May, but May 1st is the commonly observed date nationally and internationally. The day was founded by Janet Dellaria, a teacher from Michigan, and has been celebrated annually since its establishment, with various schools and communities showing appreciation through events and gestures like thank-you cards, gifts, and social media shout-outs.

In 2025, Principal Appreciation Day falls on May 1st. Additionally, some regions have a Principal Appreciation Week or State-recognized days in October, but the national standard is May 1st.

So, Principal Appreciation Day is on May 1 each year.