This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the emotional intelligence (EI) of K-12 school principals with student outcomes that included: student achievement, student growth, and student attendance. The participants in this student included principals form various schools in the state of Tennessee. The data from this mixed method study revealed a significantly positive association between Tennessee K-12 school principals' EI and student achievement, growth, and attendance. The findings highlighted the essential role of EI in educational leadership with empathy being critical. One of the recommendations because of this study's finding include the development of principal training programs, with intentional EI components, which will potentially help K-12 leaders improve student outcomes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]