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Experienced Debate - Elementary School

A course for advanced elementary school debaters ready to deepen their skills and engage in more rigorous formats.

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Speak ConfidentlyArgue PersuasivelyResearch Critically

Riki Balu

Stanford Finalist

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.

#1 Debater in the United States

Class Schedule

Experienced Debate - Elementary School

Sep 1, 2026 – Dec 8, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CT
TBA
TuesdayOPEN CLASS
Aug 27, 2026 – Dec 3, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CT
TBA
ThursdayOPEN CLASS
Aug 29, 2026 – Dec 5, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT
TBA
SaturdayOPEN CLASS
What will they learn?

Our Critical Learning Standards

Course Overview

This course is designed for elementary students who have a solid grasp of SPAR debate fundamentals and are ready to deepen their strategic thinking and prepare for the transition to middle school competition. Over 14 weeks, students will sharpen the skills that make them effective SPAR debaters while exploring what comes next — gaining early exposure to other debate formats and building the habits of preparation, analysis, and adaptability that will carry them into middle school debate programs.

What Students Will Learn

Students will learn how to elevate their SPAR performances by constructing layered arguments with stronger evidence, more precise reasoning, and deliberate strategic choices about organization and emphasis. Beyond SPAR, students will be introduced to the basics of Public Forum and other debate formats — learning how different styles of debate are structured, what judges look for, and how the core skills they've built translate across competitive settings. Through in-class debates on topics relevant to young people today — such as school policies, technology, and fairness — students will practice reading their opponent's strategy and adjusting their approach in real time.

Skills Developed

This course pushes students to think like competitors. They will refine their ability to argue both sides of an issue with nuance, develop stronger rebuttal instincts by anticipating counterarguments before they're made, and begin using rhetorical tools like rhetorical questions and parallel structure with intention and control. Students will also build the independent research and preparation habits that middle school debate demands — learning how to break down a new topic, organize their thinking, and come to a round ready to compete.

Course Outcome

By the end of the course, students will be confident, strategic SPAR debaters with a clear understanding of what competitive debate looks like at the next level. They will leave prepared to step into middle school debate programs — including CDA's middle school track — with the reasoning skills, competitive mindset, and foundational knowledge to hit the ground running.

When will the course happen?

Session Timeline

Sum '26
Now Enrolling For
Fall 2026
Win '27
Sum '27

Start Date

August 29, 2026

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End Date

December 5, 2026

Skill Group

Junior Varsity

Location

Online

Class Frequency

Weekly

Total Number of Slots

10

Number of Sessions

14

Next Course

Advanced Debate

Where we expect your student's to go

Next Step in Learning

Winter 2027

Advanced Debate - Elementary School

Who are CDA for

Did you know? CDA students can start competition in real tournaments in as little as 6 months?

Schedule a consult to hear more about our national champion trajectory program.

Why choose CDA?

Trust Us By Our Numbers

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

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.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Full Tuition$749
Comprehensive Prep PackageIncluded$749
Weekly mocks and Drill SessionsIncluded$960
$749 One-Time Payment

If you want your child to join this program, cost will not be the reason they can't. We'll work with you to find a solution that fits your family's budget.  Click here to learn more about financial aid.