About IJCL


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

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?

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


We believe an acquaintance with the civilizations of Greece and Rome will help us understand and appraise this world of today, which is indebted to ancient civilization in its government and laws, literature, language, and arts.

We affirm the JCL experience develops responsibility, fosters brotherhood, promotes enthusiasm, encourages competition, inspires dedication, and enriches our total growth.

JCL Song

Seeking the best, the highest our goal,
Working for greatness through glories of old,
Searching the realms of the golden past,
we follow the classic’s truths that last.

In knowledge, truth, and fellowship,
We’re growing everyday;
The friendly hand of J-C-L aids in every way.
In Rome’s proud steps we’re marching on
With every true colleague,
And forever we’ll hold to the Purple and Gold
Of the Junior Classical League.

Latin Pledge of Allegiance

Fidem meam obligo
Vexillo Civitatium
Americae Foederatarum.
Et Rei Publicae pro qua stat,
Uni nationi, Deo ducente, non dividendae,
Cum libertate, istuiaque omnibus.

Maintained by Emily Padgett.