A structured debate course designed for students ready to begin competing.
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 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CT TBA WednesdayOPEN CLASS | |||||
Sep 2, 2026 -Dec 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM -8:30 PM CT | Wednesday | OPEN CLASS | TBA |
This course is designed for high school debaters who have developed a strong competitive foundation and are ready to elevate their performance on the national circuit. Over 14 weeks, students will move beyond fundamental strategy and into the nuanced, high-level preparation that separates good debaters from great ones — refining their ability to control rounds, outmaneuver experienced opponents, and perform consistently under tournament pressure.
Students will engage with the most demanding aspects of Public Forum — learning how to build cases that hold up against elite-level refutation, execute sophisticated rebuttal strategies that shift the narrative of a round, and make sharp, high-stakes decisions about argument selection in real time. The course covers advanced evidence comparison, judge adaptation across diverse paradigms, and how to construct airtight summaries and final focuses that leave no room for doubt.
This course is built to sharpen every dimension of competitive performance. Students will master precise flowing under speed, develop the ability to weigh and frame arguments at a level that commands judge attention, and build the partner dynamics that define championship-caliber teams. Through intensive practice rounds, film review, and structured post-round debriefs, debaters will learn to diagnose patterns in their performance, exploit strategic opportunities, and make adjustments not just round to round but within rounds themselves.
By the end of the course, students will be competing confidently at the highest levels of Public Forum debate with a refined strategic identity and the preparation habits to sustain success across a full season. They will be prepared to advance into the CDA Development Team and National Debate Club, equipped with the independence, adaptability, and tactical precision to thrive on the national circuit and beyond.
Start Date
September 2, 2026
End Date
December 9, 2026
Skill Group
Varsity
Location
Online
Class Frequency
Weekly
Total Number of Slots
10
Number of Sessions
14
Next Course
Travel Team
Where we expect your student's to go
Winter 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.
