Real Stories. Real Results. Real Futures.

I would have never been able to afford coaching outside of the National Debate Club.

The debate space is often blocked by barriers of cost, things like tournament fees, flights, and coaching make debate less accessible for students who aren’t as advantaged as others, and this is only further worsened by disparities in-round, like access to prep and evidence. As a debater that has been restricted from reaching the full ceiling of this activity because of this, I am thankful to the National Debate Club for giving me higher access, their aid is substantial and NDC is always able to work with families in order to ensure that every debater can do what they seek to do within debate. It’s not just about financial aid, it’s about leveling the playing field for debaters everywhere.


- 2024 Travel Team Student

Debate gives you Supreme confidence

What can you do with speech and debate?

Speech and Debate is the most effective teacher of critical thinking, communication, and confiedence. When a family invests in their child’s debate success they are launching them to a better and brighter future.

"Highschool debate was an experience that I can say without hesitation was the one activity that best prepared me in law and in life."

Ketanji Brown Jackson

United States Supreme Court Justice

still not convinced?

Debate Makes the Difference

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
The PROGRAM DIrectors

Our Programs

Academy Classes

  • Focused on the Fundamentals
  • Small Class Sizes
  • Taught by Experts
  • For those learning debate

Travel Team (NDC)

  • For debaters with 1+ year of experience
  • Average 1:4 coach to student lab sizes
  • Taught by national champions
  • For those looking to break past their bid round

Summer Camps

  • Focused on the Fundamentals
  • Small Class Sizes
  • Taught by Experts
  • For those learning debate
Skills that matter

The Language of
Leadership

Understand The World

Engaging with debate topics makes learning relevant and dynamic, fostering informed citizens who can articulate diverse perspectives and understand the world around them.

Boost College Admissions

Debate's unparalleled ability to teach essential skills makes it the number one activity for Ivy League admittance. Almost 50% of the 2027 Harvard class competed in a debate activity.

Supercharge Confidence

Debate empowers students to articulate their thoughts clearly, handle adversity, and engage confidently in real-world discussions, enhancing their communication skills and self-assurance.

Enhance Research Skills

Debate involves research on a wide range of topics. The process not only enhances students' research skills but equips them with the ability to locate, analyze, and synthesize information.

Become A Critical Thinker

Debate sharpens students’ critical thinking, requiring them to evaluate multiple perspectives, construct well-reasoned arguments, and respond to opposing views.

Learn Communication

Whether your child wants to be a doctor, lawyer, or entrepreneur, learning effective written and oral communication is key to their success, and debate is the best teacher.

What’s on your mind?

Frequently Asked Questions

CDA offers both online classes across the country and in-person class in Chicago to fit students’ needs, ensuring flexibility and access to high-quality coaching regardless of location. The National Debate Club Travel Team is hosted online with in-person and online tournaments.