Students Earn National Recognition on 2026 World Language Exams

The Rumson Country Day School is proud to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of its Upper School students, who have once again distinguished themselves on the 2026 National French, Latin, and Spanish Exams. As outlined in the School’s Portrait of a Graduate, RCDS students are regularly recognized for embracing rigorous scholarship, meeting challenges with determination, and demonstrating perseverance in their academic work. Their achievement of national recognition, while surpassing national performance averages, clearly reflects this commitment.

On this year’s exams, RCDS students were awarded 45 gold (18 of which were perfect scores), nine silver, and 10 bronze medals, along with six honorable mentions.

The comparison to national averages makes the students’ accomplishments even more noteworthy. This year, 97% of RCDS Latin students, 100% of RCDS Spanish students, and 100% of RCDS French students earned national recognition, compared to recognition rates of 45% in Latin, 51% in Spanish, and 24% in French nationwide. These achievements stand out among the more than 82,000 students who took the National Spanish Exam, approximately 47,000 students who participated in Le Grand Concours, the National French Contest, and the more than 95,000 students worldwide who take the National Latin Exam annually.

RCDS students’ results speak to more than a single year’s success. While records since 2019 show that their performance on the National Latin Exam has consistently exceeded national averages, this tradition of strong achievement likely extends well beyond those years.

All RCDS students in grades 7 and 8 study Latin in addition to their choice of French or Spanish, strengthening students’ understanding of how language works at a structural level, expanding their vocabulary, and helping them make connections across other languages. Guided by the expertise and passion of our faculty, students continue to develop both proficiency and a deep appreciation for world language and cultures.

“This year’s students delivered one of the strongest performances RCDS has ever seen on the National Latin Exam,” said RCDS Latin Teacher Dr. Stephen Gaetano. “These distinctions reflect not only academic excellence, but also the diligence and intellectual curiosity our students bring to their studies each day. I could not be prouder of all they have accomplished.”