Top-Rated Debate Academy in Chicago

Public Forum (PF) Debate Academy

Our program is designed with flexible entry points, allowing students to join whether they're complete beginners or seasoned debaters.  Student have access to our custom buit digital learning platform. As their skills develop, students have the opportunity to progress from academy classes to our prestigious travel teams.

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Civic Debate Academy Reimagined 2026 is here

Our upgraded program structure helps students grow faster, think deeper, and lead with confidence.

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Led By
Dylan Pope

Emmy Award Winner,

for Children’s Education

Year-Round Enrollment

Join one of our four dynamic 14-week sessions every year. Whether you're beginning your debate journey or advancing your skills, each session offers full access to engaging curriculum, personalized feedback, and robust progress tracking. We've highlighted our active registration session!

Now Enrolling for

Flexible Payments, Made Simple

We’re excited to announce that  Civic Debate Academy now accepts Affirm — giving families the flexibility to pay for classes in simple, secure monthly installments. It’s our way of making high-quality debate education even more accessible and convenient for every student. No Additional Fees!

Enroll today and choose Affirm at checkout to split your payments over time — no added fees, just smarter flexibility

From Beginner to National Champion

The only debate program in the United States with introductory classes and a top-level travel team.Our program includes 2 free evaluations every term to ensure you student is on track and able to achieve their potential!

Intro to Debate

Build foundational speaking skills, logical reasoning, and self-confidence in a supportive setting.

Junior Varsity

Learn case writing, rebuttal techniques, and participate in internal scrimmages in the Public Forum Debate Style.

Varsity Level

Enhance your debate skills with case analysis, tournament prep, and refutation strategies.

National Travel Team

Join our elite team - where top performers qualify for national tournaments and represent CDA on the biggest stages.

The #1 Ranked Debate Program

At Civic Debate Academy, debate is more than argument—it's a journey towards mastering critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership. Our small class sizes and immersive curriculum transforms beginners into confident, articulate speakers ready to shine on the national stage.

Why work at CDA

People First. Always!

Empowering youth to think critically, speak confidently, and lead effectively through comprehensive debate education and personalized coaching.

Expert Guidance

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

Proven Track Record

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

Individual Attention

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

30%

Top Tier College Acceptance Rates

37%

Increase in Test Scores, According to NSDA

87%

Increase in Analytical Skills, According to NSDA

15%

Increase in Self-Esteem, According to NSDA

More About Us

A Pathway to Competitive Excellence

Our program is designed with flexible entry points, allowing students to join whether they're complete beginners or seasoned debaters. As skills develop, students have the opportunity to progress from weekly classes to our prestigious travel team.

Get in Touch
More About Us

Comprehensive Skill Development

We at CDA understand that the skills honed through debate translate into lifelong advantages. Our carefully structured classes develop a comprehensive skill set that extends far beyond the debate stage.

Get in Touch
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Our Teaching Philosophy

At CDA, we believe that great debaters are developed through dedicated practice and guidance. Our teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing each student's unique voice while building a strong foundation in debate techniques. We create an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives, critical thinking is refined, and confidence grows.

Holistic Development

We focus on developing not just debate skills, but also leadership, research, and analytical abilities crucial for lifelong success.

Adaptive Learning

Debate experience significantly enhances college applications, setting your child apart in the competitive admissions process.

Collaborative Growth

We foster a supportive community where peer learning and healthy competition drive collective improvement.

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.

Schedule a Free Class
Led By
Dylan Pope

Emmy Award Winner,

for Children’s Education

Public Forum (PF) Debate Academy

Our program is designed with flexible entry points, allowing students to join whether they're complete beginners or seasoned debaters.  Student have access to our custom buit digital learning platform. As their skills develop, students have the opportunity to progress from academy classes to our prestigious travel teams.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Request Information

Winter 2026 Academy Class Schedule

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Sign up for the waitlist, and we’ll let you know the moment this class becomes available again.

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Flexible Payments, Made Simple

We’re excited to announce that Civic Debate Academy now accepts Affirm — giving families the flexibility to pay for classes in simple, secure monthly installments. It’s our way of making high-quality debate education even more accessible and convenient for every student. No Additional Fees!

Enroll today and choose Affirm at checkout to split your payments over time — no added fees, just smarter flexibility.

Year-Round Enrollment
Join one of our four dynamic 14-week sessions every year. Whether you're beginning your debate journey or advancing your skills, each session offers full access to engaging curriculum, personalized feedback, and robust progress tracking. We've highlighted our active registration session!
Winter 2026
Summer 2026
Fall 2026
Winter 2027
From Beginner to National Champion

The only debate program in the United States with introductory classes and a top-level travel team

Ourprogram includes 2 free evaluations every term to ensure you student is on track and able to achieve their potential!
The #1 Ranked Debate Program
At Civic Debate Academy, debate is more than argument—it's a journey towards mastering critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership. Our small class sizes and immersive curriculum transforms beginners into confident, articulate speakers ready to shine on the national stage.
From Beginner to National Champion
Our progressive program culminates in a skills assessment—unlocking advanced levels with a one-time $20 evaluation fee per session. This ensures each student is ready for the next challenge.
Intro to Debate
Build foundational speaking skills, logical reasoning, and self-confidence in a supportive setting.
Junior Varsity
Learn case writing, rebuttal techniques, and participate in internal scrimmages in the Public Forum Debate Style.
Varsity Level
Advance your debate technique with in-depth case analysis, tournament preparation, and sophisticated refutation strategies.
National Travel Team
Join our elite team—where top performers qualify for national tournaments and represent CDA on the biggest stages.
Intro to Debate
Build foundational speaking skills, logical reasoning, and self-confidence in a supportive setting.
Junior Varsity
Learn case writing, rebuttal techniques, and participate in internal scrimmages in the Public Forum Debate Style.
Varsity Level
Advance your debate technique with in-depth case analysis, tournament preparation, and sophisticated refutation strategies.
National Travel Team
Join our elite team—where top performers qualify for national tournaments and represent CDA on the biggest stages.

WHY CDA

Empowering youth to think critically, speak confidently, and lead effectively through comprehensive debate education and personalized coaching.

Expert Guidance

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

Proven Track Record

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

Individual Attention

Learn from national champions and experienced coaches with a proven track record.

1000+

Rounds

98%

Satisfaction Rate

2000+

Coaching Hours

300+

Students Coached

A Pathway to Competitive Excellence

Our program is designed with flexible entry points, allowing students to join whether they're complete beginners or seasoned debaters. As skills develop, students have the opportunity to progress from weekly classes to our prestigious travel team.

GET IN TOUCH

Comprehensive Skill Development

We at CDA understand that the skills honed through debate translate into lifelong advantages. Our carefully structured classes develop a comprehensive skill set that extends far beyond the debate stage.

EXPLORE PROGRAMS

Our Teaching Philosophy

At CDA, we believe that great debaters are developed through dedicated practice and guidance. Our teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing each student's unique voice while building a strong foundation in debate techniques. We create an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives, critical thinking is refined, and confidence grows.

Holistic Development

We focus on developing not just debate skills, but also leadership, research, and analytical abilities crucial for lifelong success.

Adaptive Learning

Debate experience significantly enhances college applications, setting your child apart in the competitive admissions process.

Collaborative Growth

We foster a supportive community where peer learning and healthy competition drive collective improvement.

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.
Schedule a Free Class
Stay in the loop with CDA ! Get the Latest News & updates
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hello@cdadebate.com
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+1 (847) 230-4237
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