Debate Break Calculator

Intro to Debate - High School

Take our Quiz to Find the Perfect Program

Simply select whether you are a parent or student to get started!

Time is Running Out

Only

9

Seats Left.

8 people checkout in the last 4hrs.

Intro to Debate - High School

This debate career launching course welcomes high school students to the fascinating world of public forum debate—a partner-based format focused on real-world issues. Students will develop core skills in research, critical thinking, and public speaking through guided drills, structured practice rounds, and interactive discussions. They’ll learn how to construct compelling arguments, ask sharp crossfire questions, and speak with clarity and confidence in front of others. With a focus on current events and accessible topics, this course builds a strong foundation for competitive success while encouraging collaboration, adaptability, and persuasive communication.

Critical Learning Standards

CDA1.1: Construct a clear, debatable arguments supported by logic and evidence.

CDA1.2: Research and cite credible sources to build arguments and rebuttals.

CDA1.3: Collaborate with a partner to develop case strategy and adapt during round.

CDA1.4: Deliver structured speeches using PF format (constructive, rebuttal, summary, final focus) with clarity, pacing, and appropriate tone.

CDA1.5: Learn to deliver an effective rebuttal attacking opponent's claims.

Early Bird Registration Opens
Registration Opens
April 29, 2025
Registration Opens
April 29, 2025
Registration Ends On
June 8, 2025
Late Registration Ends
Registrations Closed
Registration Closed
Class Starts On
June 10, 2025
Session Timeline
This timeline shows the seasonal sessions available. The highlighted season is the current session.
Winter 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Fall 2025

Session Season

Summer 2025

Frequency of Session

Weekly

Skill Group

Introductory

Location

Online

Total Number of Slots

10

Number of Sessions

10

14
16
10
14
Dylan Pope

30%

Increase in top tier college
acceptance rates

85%

Increase in analytical skills, according to the NSDA

45%

of Harvard students competed in debate

15%

Increase in self-esteem, according to the NSDA

Course Instructor

You will be trained by the best instructors in the industry

Dylan started debating back in 2015 in high school and was immediately drawn to Public Forum. He found plenty of success across the regional circuit, which landed him a scholarship to debate for a D1 team in college. In college, he won several PF tournaments across the country, such as the Gorlock Gala in 2022. He was a quarterfinalist in PF at the 2021 and 2022 PKD National Tournaments and took 1st place in PF at the 2023 PKD National Tournament. Outside of PF, he has also collected a variety of first-place trophies in debate events such as IPDA and NPDA.

Dylan likes to coach a more communication-oriented style of debate and thinks the right blend of technical skills and communication is the path to winning any tournament. By prioritizing speaking style, he believes debaters develop the skills to adapt to any judge or opponent in front of them. Being able to quickly simplify and explain complicated arguments is key to winning judges, which is what ultimately wins rounds.

He is super excited to join the NDC team. Debate has made him lifelong friends, let him travel the country, paid his tuition, and decorated his walls with glorious trophies and awards. He can’t wait to help students achieve the same results.

INSTRUCTOR

ELITE INSTRUCTOR

Dylan Pope

Travel Team Coach

Boise State

Bids

Rounds

Win %

Affordability

Civic Debate Academy makes high-quality debate coaching affordable for all. With flexible pricing, financial aid, and scholarships, no student is held back by cost. We're here to ensure everyone can excel in debate, without breaking the bank. If you want to join the program, cost won't be the reason you don't.

Register Now

Tuition Fees

Resident

Full Tuition Amount

$

549

Non-Resident

$

Scholarship Available

- $

Early Bird Discount

- $

0

Late Registration Fees

$

0

!

Financial aid is awarded on a case-by-case basis. Click here to learn more about financial aid.

Enroll Now

Ready to register? Click the button below to secure your spot!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

FAQ

Hello, How can we help you? - #FAQ

Is there a makeup policy for missed classes?

CDA does not offer makeup classes, but students can easily stay on track using CDA’s custom online learning portal, which provides access to class recordings and assignments. They can also message their instructor for help offline during the week!

Are CDA classes available online or in-person?

Yes, CDA offers both online and in-person classes to provide flexibility and accessibility for all students, no matter their location. Use filters on our class search page to find the perfect class for you!

Is there homework in CDA classes?

Yes, there may be some take-home work assigned to help students reinforce the material and practice their skills outside of class sessions. This ensures a deeper understanding of the content.

What age groups are CDA classes designed for?

CDA provides programs for students from 1st through 12th grade, with specific classes tailored to each age group and skill level. Each class specifies the appropriate age range and skill level on its posting.

What types of classes does CDA offer?

CDA offers classes tailored to students of all levels, from beginners learning debate fundamentals to advanced competitors preparing for national tournaments. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free consultation!

Who teaches CDA classes?

CDA classes are led by professional educators, including experienced debate coaches and former debaters. Our instructors bring both expertise and a passion for teaching to every class, ensuring high-quality instruction tailored to student needs.

Navigation