This study investigated certain background characteristics of public elementary school principals in greater St. Louis, patterns in career development, comparisons between elementary and secondary school administrators, and implications for administrator training and development. Principals listed in either the city or suburban directory of public school personnel were surveyed by questionnaire as to opinions, demographic, sociological, and cultural background, present socioeconomic status, location of employment, and related matters. Urban and suburban principals were similar in many respects but differed significantly in age, sex, race, size of childhood community, high school activities, age at marriage, age at first appointment to full principalship, and size of elementary units under one's administration. Recommendations were made for an apprenticeship training program for principals, university extension courses, improved public information, improved training and hiring practices, and other changes. (author/ly)