Criteria for NHS Membership according to The Official Website of National Honors Society

Any student in grades 10 through 12 in a school with both an official charter of the National Honor Society and an affiliation with the national office is eligible for consideration for membership in NHS.

Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent standard of excellence meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership and character.

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern and respect for others and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.

Citizenship: The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard for freedom, justice, and democracy, and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations and school clubs.

NHS