Institute for Catholic Liberal Education

What Institute for Catholic Liberal Education does

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1999 and headquartered in Henrico, Virginia, that provides formation, credentialing, and services aimed at renewing Catholic K-12 education in the United States. Its core offering is the Catholic Educator Formation and Credential (CEFC) program, an 18-month alternative to state teacher licensure grounded entirely in the Catholic intellectual tradition; graduates are eligible for graduate credit at eight partner Catholic universities, including Augustine Institute, Belmont Abbey College, Benedictine College, Christendom College, Catholic International University, Franciscan University of Steubenville, St. Paul Seminary, and the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota). ICLE complements the CEFC program with an annual National Conference (now in its 14th year, drawing a record 500+ attendees in 2025), regional "Spirit & Craft of Teaching" workshops, School Spotlight site visits, School Leaders Academy and Aspiring School Leaders programs, a Diocesan Leaders Academy (launched 2024–2025), Symposiums for Priests, Superintendent Summits, and a free Job Board serving member schools.

ICLE operates with 11–50 employees and serves four primary customer segments: K-12 Catholic schools (members and credential candidates), diocesan superintendents and education officials, priests and clergy, and individual donors and supporters of Catholic education. Its revenue model is a hybrid of program fees (CEFC tuition at $7,875–$7,975 per participant, workshop fees at $1,975, conference registration) and tax-deductible donations; the organization explicitly receives no government funds. Distribution is direct and field-driven through diocesan partnerships (Archdioceses of Denver, Portland, and Oklahoma City; Diocese of Tulsa; regional cohorts in the Western U.S., Oklahoma, and Colombia), a multi-channel digital presence (website, newsletter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram), and free member resources including webinars, Church documents, and research reports.

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees and currently led by President Dr. Ryan Messmore (appointed June 2025) and Executive Director Elisabeth Sullivan. To date, the CEFC program has served 299+ Catholic educators across 59 dioceses and 26 states, and the 2025 National Conference drew 500+ attendees from 187 schools and organizations, 63 dioceses, 42 states, and 3 countries.

Name

Institute for Catholic Liberal Education

Legal name

Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, Inc.

Website

https://catholicliberaleducation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides formation, credentialing, and services to renew Catholic K-12 education, primarily through its 18-month Catholic Educator Formation and Credential (CEFC) program, an annual National Conference, leadership academies, and diocesan partnerships serving schools and dioceses nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Henrico

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and charitable contributions: ICLE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on individual donors for support. Gifts are tax-deductible and the organization receives no government funds.
2. Program fees (credential and formation programs): ICLE generates revenue through fees charged for its Catholic Educator Formation and Credential (CEFC) program, National Conference registration, and other formation workshops and events. These programs serve Catholic schools, teachers, and diocesan leaders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides formation, credentialing, and services to renew Catholic K-12 education. Its flagship offering is the Catholic Educator Formation and Credential (CEFC) program, an 18-month alternative to state teacher licensure rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. ICLE also runs an annual National Conference, formation academies for school and diocesan leaders, in-person workshops, retreats, and a member school network supporting the renewal of PreK-12 Catholic schools.

Product overview

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs and services focused on renewing K-12 Catholic schools by reclaiming the Church's educational tradition. The core offerings include the Catholic Educator Formation and Credential Program (CEFC), an 18-month alternative teacher licensure program; the annual National Conference attracting hundreds of educators; and multiple formation programs (School Leaders Academy, Aspiring School Leaders Program, Diocesan Leaders Academy) for professional development. Additional services include The Spirit & Craft of Teaching intensive workshops, School Spotlight site visits, Symposium for Priests, Academic Retreats, a free Job Board, Webinar Library, and School Membership network. The organization serves member schools across the nation through in-person events, online resources, and credentialing programs designed to form teachers and leaders in Catholic liberal arts pedagogy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Catholic Educator Formation and Credential Program (CEFC) An 18-month credential program that prepares educators to infuse a deeply Catholic philosophy and practice of education into their teaching. Designed as a robust alternative to state teacher licensure, portable and recognized by dioceses across the nation. Tuition: $5,900 plus books; total with lodging/meal costs and monthly payment plan is $7,975.
• National Conference Annual national conference for PreK-12 Catholic educators, clergy, superintendents, and scholars to discuss and renew the work of reclaiming the Catholic Church's vision for education. The 2025 conference attracted over 500 attendees from 187 schools and organizations, 63 dioceses, 42 states, and 3 countries.
• The Spirit & Craft of Teaching in the Catholic Liberal Arts Tradition Hands-on, sequential program that immerses teachers in the theory and practice of Catholic liberal arts pedagogy. A 5-day immersive workshop at $1,975 per person, including overnight lodging and meals. Designed for both new and veteran teachers with maximum personal attention and lesson presentation feedback.
• School Leaders Academy Formation program for current school leaders providing professional development and formation in Catholic liberal education leadership.
• Aspiring School Leaders Program Program designed for future school leaders seeking formation and preparation for leadership roles in Catholic education.
• Diocesan Leaders Academy Formation program for diocesan educational leaders providing comprehensive preparation for leadership within Catholic education systems.
• School Spotlight Events Site visit events at exemplary Catholic liberal arts schools allowing educators to observe best practices in action. Includes Fall, Spring, and High School Spotlight programs.
• Symposium for Priests Formation events for priests focused on the renewal of Catholic education, held seasonally in Fall and Winter.
• Academic Retreats Intensive retreat programs for teachers focusing on classical education topics and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Superintendent Summit & Retreat Annual gathering for Catholic school superintendents providing formation and networking opportunities.
• School Membership Membership program for Catholic schools providing access to resources, professional development, and the ICLE network. Membership tiers include Premier Member School status.
• CEFC Western Regional Cohort Regional cohort delivery of the CEFC credential program serving Catholic educators in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. Hosted in partnership with the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon.

Quantifiable outcome

• 299+ Catholic educators formed through CEFC across 59 dioceses and 26 states as of 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Colegio San José (Colombia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Colegio San José serves as the host site for the Colombia (South America) CEFC cohort, making the credential program available to Catholic educators across Latin America.
• Augustine InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Augustine Institute serves as the primary venue for ICLE's National CEFC Cohort in-person gatherings (16805 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63034). CEFC graduates are also eligible to receive graduate credit toward the Augustine Institute's M.A. in Catholic Education. The Augustine Institute is a key institutional partner in ICLE's credential program.
• Belmont Abbey CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward Belmont Abbey College's M.A. in Classical & Liberal Education. This partnership provides a pathway for ICLE credential holders to pursue advanced degrees.
• Benedictine CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of graduate credit toward Benedictine College's Master of Arts in Classical Education (MACE). Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis has publicly endorsed the partnership.
• Christendom CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward Christendom College's Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree through its Center for Educational Philosophy and Leadership (CEPL), with up to 12 hours of credit.
• Catholic International UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward Catholic International University's M.A. in Liberal Arts Education, expanding pathways for credential holders to pursue further formation.
• Franciscan University of SteubenvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward Franciscan University of Steubenville's M.A. in Catholic Studies, providing a theological depth pathway for ICLE credential holders.
• St. Paul SeminarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward the M.A. in Pastoral Leadership or the Institute for Catholic School Leadership Certificate at St. Paul Seminary.
• University of St. Thomas (MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEFC graduates are eligible to receive graduate credit toward the Catholic Studies graduate program at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
• Archdiocese of Portland, OR (Western Regional CEFC Cohort)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Archdiocese of Portland hosts the Western Regional Cohort of the CEFC program, serving teachers in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. Director of Catholic Education Elias Moo described the partnership as an answer to prayers for Catholic teacher formation.
• Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of TulsacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThese two dioceses collaborate to offer the CEFC to teachers in their schools, with the cohort also open to teachers in Texas and Kansas. The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma provides automatic scholarships to eligible teachers.
• Archdiocese of DenvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Archdiocese of Denver was an early partner for the CEFC program, launching its first cohort (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cohort) with graduates completing in 2023. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has publicly endorsed ICLE's work.
• Classic Learning Test (CLT)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCLT is described as the only nationally normed grade-level assessments aligned with the philosophy of education found in ICLE schools. CLT evaluates reading, grammar, and mathematics in grades 3–12 through content rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, complementing the mission of Catholic schools. ICLE's Director of Catholic School Partnerships is John Paul Thurau of CLT.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA): The umbrella professional association for U.S. Catholic education, serving all Catholic K-12 schools regardless of pedagogical orientation. ICLE is a specialized alternative within NCEA's broader constituency, targeting the classical liberal arts renewal segment.

Emerging players

• Hillsdale College K-12 Education Initiative: Provides classical K-12 curriculum, charter school authorization, and teacher training through Hillsdale College. Comparable to ICLE in offering classical education resources and teacher formation, though non-Catholic and tied to a single college.

Regional players

• Great Hearts Academies: A classical liberal arts charter school network operating primarily in the U.S. Southwest with rigorous classical pedagogy. Comparable to ICLE's pedagogical philosophy but non-Catholic, non-formation, and operator rather than service provider.

Direct peers

• Circe Institute: Provides classical Christian teacher formation, conferences (Repairing the Ruins), and resources for educators. Closest direct competitor to ICLE's CEFC credential program in the classical Christian teacher formation space.
• Chesterton Schools Network: A rapidly growing network of Catholic classical high schools using a Great Books curriculum rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Directly comparable to ICLE's mission of renewing Catholic K-12 education through classical liberal arts pedagogy.
• Seton Education Partners: Operates a network of Catholic classical schools (Seton Schools) and runs teacher formation programs for educators in urban Catholic schools. Shares ICLE's dual focus on Catholic school renewal and teacher formation in the classical tradition.
• Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS): The national professional association for classical Christian schools, providing accreditation, conferences, and teacher training. ACCS is the most direct peer because it shares ICLE's mission of advancing classical Christian K-12 education and runs comparable professional development programming for educators.
• Society for Classical Learning (SCL): The broader professional society for classical educators, hosting major conferences and resources. SCL overlaps significantly with ICLE's constituency of Catholic classical educators, though SCL is not specifically Catholic-focused.

Others

• Memoria Press: A classical Christian curriculum publisher serving many of the same schools in ICLE's network. Functions as an adjacent enabling vendor rather than direct competitor, but represents an alternative pathway for schools pursuing classical renewal.
• Catholic Textbook Project: Publishes Catholic-aligned textbooks used in many ICLE member schools; led by Michael Van Hecke, ICLE's former President. An adjacent ecosystem partner rather than competitor, but organizationally linked through shared leadership.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnQeqP5HoMCA9KMF5KLaWLg
• Facebookfacebook.com/CathLibEd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-for-catholic-liberal-education
• Instagraminstagram.com/catholicliberaled

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for Catholic Liberal Education