School Registration is Officially Open: November 24 – January 21

Image of 2023 State Runner-up Connor Gargiulo smiling in front of a mic with a gradient ripped image graphic.


The 2025–2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud season is officially underway, and we’re excited to welcome schools, educators, and students back for another year of poetry, performance, and statewide celebration.


Schools can register anytime between November 24 and January 21.


New this year: We’ve simplified the process; schools will complete one single registration form that covers both participation and school champion submission.

Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, we’re here to support you through every step of the season.


As you wrap-up your school-level competition, please:


  • Identify your school champion
  • Be prepared to submit their information through the registration form
  • Ensure all participating students have a signed parent/guardian media release form


Missed the October 27 Live Q&A?


Catch the full recap video covering deadlines and anthology changes.


Poetry Out Loud National Changes

Image of POL 2024-2025 Top 9 National Finalists smiling in front of pillars.

The Poetry Out Loud national team introduced several updates this year that apply to all states:


  • A new America 250 anthology is now in use
  • Students may choose any three poems from the new anthology
  • No more 25-line or pre–20th century poem requirements
  • All eligible poems are available online through the national POL website


Visit our NJPOL National Changes FAQ for a clear breakdown of what’s different this season.


Change can bring questions, and our NJPOL team is committed to making this season as smooth, accessible, and exciting as possible for your students. If you need anything at all, reach out — we’re always happy to help.

Contact Your Regional Partner

Your regional partners are here to answer questions or concerns about competition arrival times, support needed for your local competition, or any questions about the process. 







Important Events & Deadlines



Have Questions or Stories to Share?

We'd be happy to hear from you! Send all inquiries to admin@njpol.org.

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud is a project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Count Basie Center for the ArtsPoetry Out Loud is a national arts education program; Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with participating state and jurisdictional arts agencies and managed by Mid Atlantic Arts. In New Jersey, the State Arts Council and the Basie work with a growing network of regional partners to implement the program statewide.

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New Jersey Poetry Out Loud, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA, 732.224.8778 x130