While scholars and school leaders have investigated the diminishing diversity and quantity of the STEM pipeline, there is little empirical research on the relationship between secondary school leadership and STEM student performance. Using data from the National Center for Educational Statistics' 2009 High School Longitudinal Study--School Administrator survey, this study analyzed variables contributing to student academic outcomes. The study found a statistically significant positive relationship between school leadership and student achievement. The regression finds that variables such as school locale, public school classification, and principal certification influence student achievement as measured by enrollment in post-secondary learning institutions. [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.]