Once Again, Students Conquer National Latin Exam

Veni, vidi, vici…the ancient Latin phrase attributed to Julius Caesar (I came, I saw, I conquered) is an apt description of RCDS students’ performance on the 2022 National Latin Exam. For the fourth consecutive year, seventh and eighth grade Gators surpassed national averages on the 40-question exam taken by approximately 80,000 students worldwide.

Ninety-two students, 100% of seventh and eighth graders, participated in this year’s exam. The vast majority — 80% — earned scores that garnered achievement ranging from Cum Laude (with distinction) to Gold Medal (Summa Cum Laude) and even perfect score. A breakdown of awards by grade can be found below.

All RCDS students take Latin in seventh and eighth grade in addition to their World Language selection of French or Spanish. The aim is for students to gain proficiency in reading and translating while learning the impacts of classical Rome on modern American life and society. Latin has also been found to help expand students’ English vocabulary, foster critical thinking skills, and strengthen the foundation for language learning, particularly with Romance languages that are derived from Latin.

Latin Teacher Dr. Stephen Gaetano said this year’s results are a testament to students’ hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Dr. G is also known for injecting Latin scholarship with a great deal of fun. A toga party is held the day before the National Latin Exam, to review for the test and celebrate their knowledge of the content. Dr. G also involves the greater RCDS community in helping prep students for the exam. He distributes index cards with practice questions on vocabulary, grammar, culture and history to homeroom teachers as well as other faculty, administrators, and staff. “Teachers can ask students questions with any free time they have,” said Dr. G. The Latin teacher estimates 1,200 questions were asked of students prior to the exam this year. “Everybody is participating,” he stated. “It’s been a labor of love.”

RCDS 2022 National Latin Exam (NLE) Results

Eighth Grade
50 or 100% eighth grade students took the exam
40 or 80% of eighth graders recognized for achievement of some kind
15 Gold Medals (Summa Cum Laude)
2 Perfect Scores
15 Silver Medals (Maxima Cum Laude)
7 Magna Cum Laude
3 Cum Laude

Seventh Grade
42 or 100% of seventh grade students took the exam
34 or 81% of seventh graders recognized for achievement of some kind
19 Gold Medals (Summa Cum Laude)
11 Perfect Scores
8 Silver Medals (Maxima Cum Laude)
4 Magna Cum Laude
3 Cum Laude

National Comparison