American Classical League

The American Classical League (ACL) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that has been the leading advocate for classical language education in North America since 1919. With a mission to preserve and promote the study of Latin, Ancient Greek, and ancient civilizations, ACL unites a diverse community of educators, students, and scholars through professional development, programming, and shared purpose. Membership is open to anyone passionate about advancing classical learning and currently includes thousands of individuals across the U.S. and beyond.

ACL serves as the parent organization for several high-impact educational entities. The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) is the largest classical organization in the world, with over 50,000 student members across middle and high schools in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The Excellence Through Classics (ETC) committee supports early language programs at the elementary and middle school levels. ACL also supports the National Latin Exam (NLE) and National Greek Exam (NGE), which collectively reach tens of thousands of students annually. ACL’s flagship event, the ACL Annual Institute, welcomes 400–600 attendees for workshops, panels, and networking, while the NJCL Convention brings together over 1,000 students and teachers each summer in celebration of classical learning.

Today, ACL is building on its rich legacy with a renewed focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation. With a committed membership, a portfolio of respected programs, and a clear mission, the organization is poised to evolve in ways that will deepen its impact and expand access to classical education for generations to come.