Deadline extended to March 6th, 2026
The purpose of this initiative is to enable your diocese to develop and retain its Catholic school system’s most promising leaders.
Catholic Extension Society has engaged in a partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s Catholic School Leadership Academy to offer a graduate level virtual online Certificate in Catholic School Administration to novice and prospective leaders in Catholic schools in Extension dioceses. Although leadership development is often identified as a need for Catholic schools in Extension dioceses, these schools often lack opportunities for professional development due to barriers of cost and distance. This agreement covers 80 percent of the cost of tuition, as well as funding for travel and accommodations for the introductory course on campus at Loyola Marymount University in July 22-24, 2026.
This unique and successful educational program focuses on professional development that is created specifically for Catholic school leaders and administrators. The one-year (4 course/10 graduate level units) program is designed to address three major themes in Catholic school administration: mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership. Some of the topics covered are: Catholic identity, spiritual leadership, mission integration, vision implementation, instructional leadership, best practices in governance, budget development, laws, ethics, fundraising, finance, and human resource administration. All ten units of the certificate coursework will count towards a Master of Arts in Catholic School Administration at LMU.
Applications for this program will be considered from either an individual candidate in a diocese, a pair of candidates, or three applicants wanting to work together as a diocesan team. Applicants will require a signature of affirmation from the principal of the school where they work.
Participants in this program will be asked to commit a minimum of 2 years of service to a Catholic school in their diocese after they successfully complete the certificate program. Additionally, at the conclusion of the program, participants will be asked to apply their new skills by implementing a specific project that will enhance their local Catholic school in a strategic area identified by the principal.
Duration: 1 year
Value to Participating Diocese: $19,817 per student
Documents
How to Apply
Applications open now.
- Read and review and sign the 2026-27 Program Guidelines, linked above
- Complete the online application form by March 6th, 2026
Feedback from Participants:
- “The program not only met but exceeded my expectations. It has been the best experience in my lifetime.”
- “When I first arrived at LMU to begin my course work, I was pretty much burnt out with my position as a school principal … (in this program) from day one I encountered hope. Throughout the year, I grew in wisdom and confidence in my role as a Catholic school Principal. Our school is stronger than ever because of the vision Catholic Extension Society and LMU had in helping me and others grow”
- “My experience at LMU was amazing. I learned skills that are sure to prove invaluable when in a leadership role. Along the way I also met some amazing mentors and other professionals that I know will be a great resource in the future. All in all, I would do this program again in a heartbeat.”
For More Information
Contact Erika Cedrone, Assistant Vice President of Mission at: [email protected]