Our Mission

We believe that nothing is more important for the future of our Church than the quality of our Catholic schools. Nothing is more important for the quality of our schools than the formation of the next generation of Catholic school leaders.

Our schools need transformational leaders who will renew and transform school communities to meet the changing needs of our society and Church for years to come.

In the tradition of Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Alliance for Catholic Education's Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program forms leaders with zeal – that flame of burning desire to make God known, loved, and served.

The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame prepares future principals of Catholic schools to lead with zeal. Remick Leaders join a national cohort of aspiring Catholic school leaders. Over the course of three summers and two academic years, Remick Leaders are supported by teaching faculty and staff at the University of Notre Dame, executive coaches from across the country, and the on-site support they receive from their mentors and school communities. This 25-month experience results in a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame.

Please take some time to explore our website to learn more about becoming a Remick Leader, and feel welcome to email us at or call (574) 631-9309 if you have any questions.

Our Root Beliefs

In the Alliance for Catholic Education, we have come to believe that the primary unit of change in education is the school, and the evidence is clear that nothing transforms a school like an exceptional leader. We believe that the education of more transformational school leaders represents our best opportunity to create more exceptional schools, which in turn help put more children on the path to success.

Catholic schools in the United States are currently facing unprecedented challenges. Within the last few months, over 150 Catholic schools have closed throughout the country. Now, more than ever, our schools, our nation, and our Church need exceptional principals. 

The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program prepares transformational Catholic school leaders who make God known, loved, and served by managing school resources, leading learning, and building robust Catholic school communities. 

We are led by five root beliefs that guide our mission:

God in all things.

With Christ as their model, transformational leaders invite all members of the school community to a greater understanding and recognition of God’s presence in creation and an ever-growing love of God the Creator.

We are disciples with hope to bring.

At a time in which so many communities are fraught with pain and suffering, our leaders lead with a zeal sustained and informed by the love of Christ, which compels them to bring comfort and help to a broken world.

We are made for each other in the image and likeness of God.

Recognizing the inherent dignity of humanity from the very beginning of creation, transformational leaders know and expect all students to learn and excel at the highest level possible.

Excellence happens on purpose.

Constantly aware that the small things matter, transformational school leaders intentionally build strong school cultures rooted in a shared set of root beliefs and directed toward a unified purpose.

School leaders drive student success.

Through collaboration and innovation, transformational school leaders do whatever it takes to ensure that every child succeeds in the classroom, helping them become their truest selves in the image of Jesus Christ.

The Need for Zeal

Recognizing the need for transformational school leaders in Catholic schools across the country, the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) founded the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program in 2002. Mary Ann Remick of Rochester, MN, graciously endowed the Program in 2006, making it possible for aspiring Catholic school leaders to receive leadership formation at an affordable cost. In gratitude for Mary Ann’s commitment to the future of Catholic school leadership, the program was renamed in her honor.

Over the last 18 years, the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program has become the largest program of its kind, preparing over 420 Catholic school leaders who lead and shape Catholic schools in 42 states and 105 dioceses around the world.

Will you be the next to answer the call? Apply today.