Since 1949, China has struggled to provide adequate public education for its masses. But since 1985, education in China has been in transition. In this article, the author discusses the improvements that have occurred since 1985, including more technology, up-to-date textbooks, and new teaching techniques, as well as the many challenges still faced by Chinese principals, from ensuring adequate teacher pay to difficulties in observing classes due to the layout of Chinese schools. Although the list of entrenched and system-wide challenges seems overwhelming, most Chinese principals feel they now have the skills and educational foundations to overcome them.