Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to compare the leadership styles of principals on
student academic performance in government and private secondary schools of Bishoftu
town. The study employed descriptive survey research design with quantitative
approaches. Secondary schools were selected randomly. School Principals and Teachers
were selected by using available sampling. Teachers were also selected with simple
random sampling. Totally, the study involved 120 secondary school teachers, 6principals’
12 voice principals’ and besides, interview held with cluster supervisors was made in
order to substantiate the data gathered. For secondary source documents related to study
were reviewed. A variety of data gathering tools including questionnaire and interview
were used. Statistical techniques such as frequency, mean, average mean, standard
deviation and ONE way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Thus, the findings of the
study indicated that, principals involve students’ in academic achievement are valued and
implemented is a strong and positive influence in students’ academic performance. This
has greatly enhanced student academic performance in the town. The finding showed that
the way principals communicate with teaching staff has a significant effect on student‟
academic performance. Finally, it is recommended that educational administrators should
ensure that Principals of schools are given appropriate orientations before they are
appointed as school heads
