The Principal Institute (PI) is an alternative program leading to a Colorado principal license. PI is specially designed for people who have already received at least an undergraduate degree and have either a Colorado Teacher's License or three or more years of teaching experience at an accredited school.

Participants of The Principal Institute (PI) will have a distinctive, rigorous, and community-oriented experience and will have the opportunity to integrate in-depth theoretical knowledge with a comprehensive intense school-based practice.  PI will offer aspiring principals opportunities to work with a diverse faculty, staff and community members within a dynamic urban environment, provide instructional leadership that will focus on developing best practice within classroom and contribute to local, State, and national educational reform. They will become community collaborators that will develop learning communities that partner with governmental entities, community-based agencies, local businesses, and most importantly, young people and their families as they transform themselves and their communities.  

PI students may also receive graduate level credits from the The University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. In addition, the PI also offers continual staff development for current school administrative leaders throughout Colorado.

 The PI Program has: 

• Highly individualized components
• Relevant on-site support
• Strong mentorship and coaching component
• Seminar and workshop style courses
• Online courses
• Independent study opportunities
• Participatory Action Research components
• Project-based outcomes
• Portfolio assessment

The cost of the PI program is $7,750. Fees remitted by the principal candidate cover the cost of delivering the training program, providing mentoring and school support, professional development, and graduate level college credits.

The Principal Institute is a program of MHM Educational Services, LLC and works in partnership with the Colorado Principals' Center at the The University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.