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What is JCL?
What is JCL?
The National Junior Classical League is an organization of junior high and high school students sponsored by the American Classical League. It is composed of local and state chapters made up of students of Latin and classical humanities, and is the largest classical organization in the world today. Its purpose is to encourage an interest in and an appreciation of the language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and to give students some understanding of the debt of their own culture to that of classical antiquity. The state chapter for Indiana is the IJCL.
Membership Brochure 2025-2026
What is a local JCL Chapter?
What is a local JCL Chapter?
A local chapter is a club made up of students attending one school, or more than one school with the same teacher. Having a JCL chapter in the school helps to increase interest in Latin and increase enrollment in Latin classes.
How do I start a chapter?
How do I start a chapter?
The teacher should set up a meeting of students and any interested parents for the purpose of organization. At this meeting, the goals of the club should be determined, suggestions for club activities and plans for the year should be discussed, and ideas for a constitution and club officers should be reviewed. A specific time and place should be set for initiation of members, and plans should be made for a membership campaign if necessary. The amount of chapter dues per person may be set at this time to help defray expenses throughout the year.
Much of the success of a JCL chapter is dependent upon the originality, variety, and overall quality of the meetings and programs. Usually clubs try to incorporate some type of Latin or Roman influence into the meetings; however, this is not essential. Each club should hold a few just-for-fun meetings. Any popular teenage activity will do. No matter what the officers plan, they should use their imaginations!
JCL Creed
JCL Creed
We, the members of the Junior Classical League, strive to promote the study of Greek, Latin, and ancient cultures. We believe this study will help us examine the world and expand our understanding of literature, language, arts, sciences, and humanity.
We affirm the JCL experience develops leadership, fosters community, promotes enthusiasm, encourages competition, inspires dedication, and enriches our total growth!
JCL Song
JCL Song
Seeking to learn, with wisdom our goal,
Looking for lessons through stories of old,
Searching the realms of the ancient past,
We study the Classics’ works so vast.
In knowledge, service, fellowship, we’re growing every day.
The Friendly Hand of JCL aids in every way.
We’ll join our arms and sing along,
With every dear colleague,
And forever we’ll hold to the Purple and Gold
Of the Junior Classical League!
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