A low-molecular-weight poly(lactic acid) was synthesized through the condensation reaction of L-lactic acid. The effects that the catalyst and temperature have on the reaction rate were studied to determine the optimum reaction conditions. The reaction kinetics increased with temperature up to $210^{circ}C$, but no further increase was observed above this temperature. Among a few selective catalysts, sulfuric acid was the most effective because it maximized the polymerization reaction rate. Reduction of the pressure was another important factor that enhanced this reactions kinetics.