81% of Aralia Students Receive Awards in Top Language Competitions
1. National Junior Classical League Convention Contests: A Celebration of Classical Excellence
The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) is an esteemed organization dedicated to promoting the study of classical languages, literature, history, and culture among middle and high school students. Founded by the American Classical League, NJCL provides a platform for students passionate about the classics to engage in academic competitions, cultural events, and conventions that enrich their understanding and appreciation of ancient civilizations.
One of the highlights of the NJCL is its week-long national convention, held annually at a college campus in late July or early August. Each year, 1,200 to 1,500 students from across the country gather to compete in a wide array of academic tests, graphic and creative arts competitions, and athletic events. The convention is more than just a competition; it’s a vibrant community event where students celebrate their love for the classics while honing their skills in various disciplines. Beyond the contests, the convention offers students the unique opportunity to meet and connect with fellow classics enthusiasts from around the nation, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose beyond the week of competition.
For 2025, the convention will be hosted at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
2. National Junior Classical League Convention Contests
At the NJCL Convention, students can compete in numerous contests, ranging from academic and creative, to sports contests. Below are the details of the types of contests the National Junior Classical League offers:
- Academic Contests – Academic Heptathlon, Academic Decathlon, Ancient Geography, Classical Art, Grammar, Greek Derivatives, Greek Life and Literature, Hellenic History, Latin Derivatives, Latin Literature, Mottoes, Abbreviations and Quotations, Mythology, Reading Comprehension, Roman History, Roman Life, Vocabulary
- Certamen—Certamen is a game of fast recall of facts about classical civilizations and their peoples, languages, and cultures. The matches are supposed to be fun, competitive, and informative. There are two types of Certamen contests for NJCL students at Convention: Open Certamen and Competitive Certamen.
- Creative Arts Contests: For those with a flair for creativity, the NJCL Convention offers contests in Dramatic Interpretation, Latin and English Oratory, Sight Latin Reading, and Modern Myth writing. Additionally, students can participate in a Costume Contest, showcasing their ability to bring historical figures to life through dress and performance.
- Graphic Arts Contests – Drawing and Painting, Handicrafts, Cartoons, Greeting Cards, Photography, Charts, Maps, Illustrated Quotes, Scrapbooks. These contests allow participants to express their understanding of classical themes through various artistic mediums.
- Olympika and Ludi – Track, Basketball, Volleyball, Field, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, and Marathon.
3. Academic Contests
In the convention, various academic contests span across different aspects of classical languages:
- Academic Heptathlon: a good contest for lower-level students who want to test their knowledge about mythology, Roman history and life, grammar, vocabulary, Latin derivatives, Greek derivatives, and Reading Comprehension.
- Academic Decathlon: Comprehensive exams covering multiple topics including reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, Latin derivatives, Roman history, Roman life, Latin literature, mythology, Greek derivatives, and geography of the ancient world.
- Classical Art: The contest will examine students’ understanding of classical times through the period’s art.
- Classical Greek: The test will consist of vocabulary, forms (identification, analogies, etc.), grammar (sentences, translations, etc.), and passage(s).
- Reading Comprehension
- Mythology and Roman History: Delving into ancient Rome’s myths and daily life.
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4. Certamen
Certamen is a fast-paced quiz game that tests participants’ knowledge of classical civilizations. It’s one of the most exciting events at the convention, offering both Open and Competitive formats. Students engage in intense, enjoyable rounds that challenge their quick recall abilities on subjects related to ancient languages, history, and culture.
5. Creative Art Contests
Creative art contests are for students who want to express their creativity and passion for Classical Language through various mediums:
- Costume: Students create a costume based on a theme, then film a video describing their creation in detail and its connection to the theme
- Dramatic Interpretation: Students perform one of two chosen passages live in front of judges
- English Oratory: Students create an original oration based on the theme and perform live in front of judges
- Essay: Students write and submit an essay in response to a prompt
- Latin Oratory: Students perform a passage in the style of an ancient orator live in front of judges
- Modern Myth: Students submit an original myth or an original update of a classical myth
- Sight Latin: Students read aloud live a passage given at their level in front of judges
- Slogan: Students write and submit an original slogan that promotes Latin and/or JCL
6. Graphic Arts Contests
There are four divisions in Graphic Arts: grades 7-9, grade 10, grade 11, and grade 12. For each division, there are various categories and subcategories for the Graphic arts contests:
- Cartoons and Greeting Cards
- Charts, Illustrated Quotations, Maps
- Drawing and Painting
- Handicrafts
- Impromptu Art
- Photography
- Scrapbook
- State T-Shirts
7. Olympika and Ludi
The convention isn’t just about academics; it also features Olympika and Ludi, where students can participate in athletic events such as Track, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Ultimate Frisbee. These events foster camaraderie and provide a fun, competitive outlet for students.
8. NJCL Online Exams: A Year-Round Challenge
In addition to the annual convention, NJCL hosts four prestigious online exams that allow students to showcase their classical knowledge throughout the year. These exams are open to students from grades 6-12, but participants of any grade level are welcome.
National Classical Etymology Exam:
This exam challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of Latin and Greek derivatives and their impact on English vocabulary.
- Registration: September 1 to October 25
- Exam Administration: November 1 to December 10
National Roman Civilization Exam:
This exam tests students’ knowledge of ancient Roman society, covering various aspects of Roman culture, history, and daily life.
- Registration: September 1 to October 25
- Exam Administration: November 1 to December 10
National Latin Vocabulary Exam:
Focused on Latin vocabulary, this exam evaluates students’ proficiency with specific vocabulary lists relevant to their level of Latin study.
- Registration: November 1 to January 25 of the following year
- Exam Administration: February 1 to March 5 of the following year
National Hellenic Civilization Exam:
This exam explores ancient Greek society, testing students’ understanding of its culture, history, and contributions to the modern world.
- Registration: November 1 to January 25 of the following year
- Exam Administration: February 1 to March 5 of the following year
Participating in the NJCL Convention and online exams offers students a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the classics while engaging with a community of like-minded peers. Whether through academic contests, creative arts, or athletic events, students can explore the rich heritage of ancient civilizations, and develop skills that will benefit them academically and personally. The NJCL Convention and exams are not just competitions—they are celebrations of the enduring legacy of the classical world and the students who carry that torch in addition to the celebration.
Aralia's Courses
The National Latin Exam Prep helps students prepare for three levels of the exam: Intro to Latin Exam and Beginning Latin, Intermediate Latin Exam and Intermediate Reading Comprehension, and Advanced Prose Exam and Advanced Poetry. Courses will be arranged according to the NLE Official Course Reference and will vary based on student needs. Students will receive one-on-one or group lessons.
