2026 National Latin Exam (NLE) + National Latin Vocabulary Exam (NLVE) Prep Course
- John Cho

- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read

Most Latin programs focus on getting through the textbook. At Emerson Latin, we prepare students to prove their mastery—through competitive success that transforms college applications.
Why Contest Preparation Matters
In today's competitive admissions landscape, strong grades aren't enough. Selective universities look for students who have demonstrated excellence beyond the classroom. Three gold 'summa cum laude' medals in advanced-level Latin competitions signal something rare: sustained achievement in a rigorous classical discipline that most students never attempt.
The Emerson Latin Difference
Every Emerson Latin student who has earned three gold medals at advanced levels across the National Latin Exam and other international Latin and Classical Humanities competitions has been admitted to the Ivy League or other top-tier global universities.
This isn't coincidence. It's the result of precision-engineered preparation that treats these contests as what they are: opportunities to build an undeniable academic credential.
Our 5-Week Contest Preparation Program
We offer targeted preparation designed for competitive success at every level:
Introduction Level
Introduction (NLE)
Beginner & Intermediate Levels:
Beginner (NLE + NLVE)
Intermediate (NLE + NLVE)
At the beginner and intermediate levels, students prepare for both the National Latin Exam and the National Latin Vocabulary Exam—doubling their opportunities to earn gold medals and build their competitive portfolio. Emerson Latin students haven't just won gold 'summa cum laude' medals on the NLVE; several have achieved world champion status as top-five highest scorers internationally.
Advanced Levels:
Advanced Prose (NLE)
Advanced Poetry (NLE)
Advanced Reading Comprehension (NLE)
At the advanced levels, we focus exclusively on NLE preparation, as our curriculum aligns with rigorous AP Latin standards that provide the optimal foundation for competitive success.
Course Structure
Each course follows a proven structure designed for competitive excellence:
Weeks 1–4: Intensive practice with authentic past exams and exclusive Emerson Latin study materials that identify patterns, common pitfalls, and winning strategies
Week 5: Comprehensive final review followed by the official online exam
Group courses run from the week of January 25th through the week of March 1st. As a member of the American Classical League, we officially register and administer all exams—no separate coordination required.
Beyond a Single Test
The NLE and NLVE are entry points to a year-round calendar of Latin and Classical Humanities competitions. Each contest represents another opportunity for your child to distinguish themselves and build a competitive academic profile that admissions committees recognize and value.
Learning That Fits Your Schedule
Group Courses: Join students at your child's level for collaborative preparation and peer motivation.
Private Tutorials: Need flexibility? Receive the same elite preparation through one-on-one sessions scheduled around your family's commitments.
The Real Question
It's not whether your child can succeed in Latin. It's whether they'll have the preparation to prove it when it counts.
Enroll in a Group Course
NLE Introduction
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1
Time: Saturday 2-4pm KST
NLE + NLVE Beginner
Three Options
PERIOD 1
Dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28
Time: Saturday 9-11am KST
PERIOD 2
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1
Time: Sunday 9-11am KST
PERIOD 3
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1
Time: Sunday 2-4pm KST
NLE + NLVE Intermediate
Dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28
Time: Saturday 6-8pm KST
NLE Advanced Prose
Dates: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25
Time: Wednesday 8-10pm KST
NLE Advanced Poetry
Dates: 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
Time: Thursday 8-10pm KST
NLE Advanced Reading Comprehension
Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: Friday 8-10pm KST






