A competitive-level course designed for high school students with Public Forum experience.
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.
| Class Schedule | Timings | Day | Status | Instructor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep 2, 2026 – Dec 9, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT TBA WednesdayOPEN CLASS | |||||
Aug 27, 2026 – Dec 3, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CT TBA ThursdayOPEN CLASS | |||||
Aug 30, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CT TBA SundayOPEN CLASS | |||||
Sep 2, 2026 -Dec 9, 2026 | 6:00 PM -7:30 PM CT | Wednesday | OPEN CLASS | TBA | |
Aug 27, 2026 -Dec 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM -8:30 PM CT | Thursday | OPEN CLASS | TBA | |
Aug 30, 2026 -Dec 6, 2026 | 5:00 PM -6:30 PM CT | Sunday | OPEN CLASS | TBA |
This course is designed for high school debaters with some experience who are ready to sharpen their skills and compete at the Junior Varsity level in Public Forum. Over 14 weeks, students will move beyond the basics and into the strategic side of debate — learning how to flow rounds efficiently, weigh arguments at a higher level, and collaborate effectively with a partner to win.
Students will deepen their understanding of Public Forum round structure, speaker roles, and what judges prioritize when evaluating a round. The course builds strong research skills including cutting cards, evaluating source credibility, and organizing evidence into comprehensive digital blockfiles. Students will also learn how to anticipate opposing frameworks, prepare strategic responses, and adapt their approach mid-round.
This course emphasizes competitive readiness through targeted drills, practice rounds, and post-round analysis. Students will refine their flowing techniques, practice weighing arguments and impacts under time pressure, and develop the strategic coordination that sets successful debate partnerships apart. Along the way, they'll strengthen their ability to engage critically with current events and construct persuasive, evidence-based positions that hold up under cross-examination.
By the end of the course, students will be prepared to compete confidently at tournaments and begin positioning themselves for Varsity-level competition. They will leave with polished research habits, sharper strategic thinking, stronger rebuttal skills, and the ability to self-evaluate their performance to set meaningful goals for continued growth.
Start Date
August 27, 2026
End Date
December 3, 2026
Skill Group
Junior Varsity
Location
Online
Class Frequency
Weekly
Total Number of Slots
10
Number of Sessions
14
Next Course
Varsity Debate
Where we expect your student's to go
Winter 2027
Varsity Debate - High School
Summer 2027
Travel Team - High School
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.
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.
