This study was conducted to determine the level of academically challenging environment and passionate leadership qualities of teachers in public secondary schools in Panabo Central District, Division of Davao del Norte. It employed a non-experimental quantitative research design utilizing a correlational method leading to regression analysis. The respondents were 130 public secondary school teachers from clusters 2, 3, and 4 of Banaybanay District, Davao Oriental. The statistical tools used included the weighted mean, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Based on the findings, the academically challenging environment was high, and the passionate leadership qualities of teachers were perceived similarly. A significant relationship was found between the academically challenging environment and the passionate leadership qualities of teachers. Moreover, results revealed a significant influence of the academically challenging environment on the passionate leadership qualities of teachers in public secondary schools. In light of these findings, the study may guide school administrators in crafting plans and programs that address teachers’ needs and aspirations. Thus, it may serve as a basis for developing strategies and formulating policies that promote an academically challenging environment and enhance passionate leadership among teachers. Additionally, this study may contribute to teaching effectiveness and foster a trusting and creative atmosphere conducive to achieving organizational goals.