Competitive debate is often regarded as an extracurricular activity reserved for the most politically inclined and outspoken students. However, there is growing scientific consensus that debate is a powerful engine for academic growth and success among students, with some studies boasting a GPA growth of up to .66 points and significantly higher SAT and ACT performance. By developing key skills such as critical thinking, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and research proficiency, students are able to apply these strengths across their coursework and enhance their overall performance and outcomes.

Engaging in Critical Thinking

Successful debating requires students to engage and build upon their critical thinking skills both in preparation and during competition. At its core, debate teaches students to quickly analyze and evaluate arguments thoughtfully to develop informed decisions and sound judgements. From citing studies and articles to evaluating the details of an opponent's argument, debaters learn to critically assess the relevance and reliability of their sources to curate persuasive arguments, refutations, and engage in strategic decision making in a fast-paced setting. In doing so, students learn to become more discerning thinkers, with the ability to spot weaknesses in not only their opponents' reasoning but in their own.

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These habits carry over into the regular classroom environment, where students are better equipped to thoroughly comprehend and evaluate complex academic texts, construct well substantiated essays, and excel in subjects that demand analytical reasoning.

Strengthening Verbal Reasoning

Students who participate in debate also enhance the development of their verbal reasoning skills – the ability to think and communicate logically, clearly and efficiently. During competition, students must develop and present arguments under significant time pressure, improvise coherent refutations, and articulate complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. Beyond the ability to confidently speak publicly, this requires students to develop a strong command of language, adaptability, and well structured thought. With consistent training and practice, debaters gain the ability to organize and communicate their ideas efficiently and speak with purpose.

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These abilities translate directly into stronger classroom performance. Students with strong verbal reasoning abilities are more likely to thoughtfully engage in class discussions, ask meaningful questions, and conduct strong presentations. From explaining a math problem aloud to defending an argument in an essay, students are able to express their logical reasoning efficiently and comprehensively, leading to improved engagement with school curriculum and academic confidence.

Research Proficiency

Debate also carries the ability to improve students’ research proficiencies beyond basic fact-finding. In the weeks spent preparing for debate competitions and topics, students are required to investigate complex topics, from legal cases to matters of international affairs, and sift through vast amounts of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Debaters then learn to identify the most credible and compelling sources of evidence to defend both sides of the same debate topic. In doing so, students are trained to navigate large academic databases, scrutinize the quality of evidence, and recognize bias in texts and reasonings. This process extends from preparation into the debate round, as well, and trains students to quickly evaluate the credibility of information and reasoning and to approach research as a legitimate method of intellectual inquiry and understanding.

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These skills translate directly into enhanced academic performance and habits, enabling students to develop strong, well substantiated papers and analyses, and engage meaningfully with academic material and complex subject matter. Whether students are working on a history project, lab report, or an essay, debaters are able to apply their practiced abilities to locate compelling and trustworthy sources to integrate and strengthen their work. In tandem with improved grades and academic performance, students also learn to approach subjects from multiple perspectives and think independently, developing skills that prepare them for the demands of college level work and their professional endeavors. \

How to get started

You have heard about our classes and seen the evidence of debate’s transformative ability. Now you are wondering how to sign up. Go to our registration page, and select a class!