North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO)

A linguistics puzzle contest for middle and high school students, held at schools and university sites across North America, that needs no prior knowledge of linguistics, programming or foreign languages. The three-hour Open Round in January has 6 to 12 problems, and top scorers advance to a harder four-hour Invitational Round in March. The top U.S. and Canadian scorers are chosen to represent their countries at the International Linguistics Olympiad.

Offered by NACLO. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: Hybrid. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: 2027-01-28.

Fields: Computer Science, Humanities

Key facts

Who can apply: High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online and in person (nationwide).
Cost: Free to take part.
Dates: The deadline is January 28, 2027.

Info checked October 2026.

Questions about North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO)

When is the North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) deadline?

The deadline is January 28, 2027.

Is North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) free?

Yes. North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) is free to take part in.

Who can apply to North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO)?

High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online and in person (nationwide). Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

More academic competitions for high school students