Join the ICD's Essay Competition!

The ICD exists to promote excellence in teenagers. Our essay competition is a chance for teens 14-18 to show off their writing skills, win prizes, and get connected with us.

If you would like help from the ICD in choosing a topic, or writing the essay, get in touch!

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1st Place: $100
Amazon gift-card

2nd Place: $50
Amazon gift-card

3rd-5th Place: 20%
off tutoring and classes

How can I participate?

What should the essay be about?

We ask that you write an essay about a book that you have enjoyed, especially a classical text (e.g. Jane Austen, Plato, Hemingway).

Analyze a character, break down an important event, explore a theme. Anything that deepens your understanding of the text!

How do I submit my essay?

Send us your esssay by email, including your name, and a contact number at

instituteforclassicaldialogue@gmail.com by the 1st of December.

Essays will be read, and winners contacted, by the 14th of December!

Who is eligible to participate?

Any teenager (age 14-18) within Santa Fe County is welcome!

How are winners chosen?

The winning essays will be the most focused and clear analyses of the text chosen, as judged by the ICD team.

How long should the essay be?

750-1000 words.

A little about us:

The ICD runs Great Books courses, College Preparedness Programs, and private tutoring right here in Santa Fe. Coming out of the St. John's College tradition, the ICD focuses on using Great Books to create great minds.

We have found that through dialogue, students learn 10x faster than through lectures. Through Great Books instead of textbooks, students learn how to write, think and talk like the greatest minds of history.

Learn More