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ContinueAmerica’s #1 Ranked
Speech & Debate Classes for Ambitious Students
Wherever you are, your debate journey starts at Civic Debate Academy–with expert instruction and a proven path to success.
Learn more about
Our Winter 2026 Debate Classes
Debate builds confidence and critical thinking for success. At Civic Debate Academy, our Travel Team competes nationally, while classes strengthen skills for growth. Whether competing or learning, we help you excel.
Why are we #1?
Unmatched Expertise, Proven Results
Learn from championship-winning coaches and debaters. Our experienced faculty bring unparalleled expertise and a proven track record to help students succeed both in competitions and beyond.
Debate teaches students critical thinking and communication skills. CDA members learn how to evaluate information, find answers, and package information, explaining it confidently to peers, adults, and college admissions officers.
Our students are consistently accepted to top-tier universities. Debate has proven to be one of the strongest predictors of college admissions, showcasing critical thinking, communication skills, and leadership that top schools value.
Our students are consistently accepted to top-tier universities. Debate has proven to be one of the strongest predictors of college admissions, showcasing critical thinking, communication skills, and leadership that top schools value.
Our active learning approach engages students in hands-on activities and discussions, ensuring they learn by doing. Led by professional teachers and educators, our classes foster critical thinking and meaningful skill development.
Our debate classes are designed to help students build confidence through practice, feedback, and real-world application. Your child will learn to articulate ideas clearly, think critically, and speak with poise in any setting.
Our programs consistently produce nationally ranked debaters, proving the effectiveness of our training and guidance. By joining, your child will gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to compete and succeed at the highest levels.
In the 21st century, strong communication skills are the number one differentiator. Our program helps students build the confidence and clarity needed to excel in public speaking, giving them an edge in school, college, and beyond.
Your Learning Journey
View your child's potential journey
A structured introduction to debate designed for students interested in argumentation and public speaking.
A competitive-level course designed for students with Public Forum experience.
A structured introduction to debate designed for students interested in argumentation and public speaking.
A full service competitive team elevating students to the highest levels of debate competition. NDC is where semi-private coaching meets unparalleled team culture.
Testimonials
Feedback from the Parents
CDA has given me the resources and community I never had as a small school competitor. Every practice and drill is tailored to my needs and reflective of where I need to improve. Further, the close-knit support system of students and coaches has made me feel included in the community and helped me improve greatly.
CDA has helped me grow a lot as a debater. The coaches and the class schedule are great for enhancing prep and in-round strategy as a debater. I would recommend this club if you want to join a good environment and become a better debater.
CDA has smoothed out my transition between local competition and debate at the national level with generous considerations regarding my family’s financial situation. From the weekly lectures to the tight-knit labs, the tailored education at CDA has helped me hone my technical debate skills and become a better speaker.
Students and counting
Still Unsure Where to Start?
We’re here to guide you. Whether you need advice on level placement or want to learn more about our program, our team is ready to assist.
What’s on your mind?
Frequently Asked Questions
CDA offers both online classes across the country and in-person class in Chicago to fit students’ needs, ensuring flexibility and access to high-quality coaching regardless of location. The National Debate Club Travel Team is hosted online with in-person and online tournaments.
Getting started is simple! Explore our class options with our easy to use class search tool or apply to join the National Debate Club for a competitive travel team.
CDA provides a full-service academy experience, combining accountability, regular progress evaluations, competitive travel teams, and introductory classes. With everything students need to excel in debate, CDA ensures you never have to look elsewhere.
The National Debate Club is CDA’s elite competitive travel team, designed for top-performing students who are ready to compete on the national circuit. Members receive advanced coaching, access to top-tier tournaments, and support to secure TOC bids and achieve success at the highest levels of debate. Click here to learn more!
Civic Debate Academy (CDA) is a premier debate coaching organization dedicated to helping students improve critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills through expert-led classes, workshops, and competitive travel teams.
