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LIVE VIRTUAL DEBATE CLASSES (AFTERSCHOOL AND WEEKENDS)

Grades 4–12 · Separate Classes by Grade · Saturdays via Zoom
🗓️ Fall, Winter, Spring, & Summer Sessions Available

We prepare students for the Harvard National Speech & Debate Tournament
2/13/2026 - 2/17/2026


Live In-Person Debate Tournaments Available in NYC/Tri-State

🍂 Fall 2025
​
📆 Sept 20 – Nov 15
🕙 10–12PM or 4–6PM EST
💲 $495 Regular

Live Virtual Debate Tournament:
11/15/2025
❄️ Winter 2026
​
📆 Jan 10 – Feb 28
🕙 10–12PM or 4–6PM EST
💲 $495

Live Virtual Debate Tournament:
2/21/2026
🌸 Spring 2026
​
📆 Mar 14 – May 2
🕙 10–12PM or 4–6PM EST
💲 $495

Live Virtual Debate Tournament:
5/9/2026
✅ REGISTER NOW

​🧠 What Your Child Will Learn

"Students Don’t Just Debate — They Grow as Leaders."
PUBLIC SPEAKING & PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
​

✅ Public Speaking Skills
Students gain confidence speaking clearly, persuasively, and respectfully in front of others.
✅ Critical Thinking & Organization
They’ll learn to build strong arguments, anticipate counterarguments, and organize thoughts quickly.
✅ Teamwork & Leadership
Whether speaking or working behind the scenes, your child will learn to lead and collaborate in debate teams.
✅ Real-World Application
Skills they’ll use for life: interviews, presentations, leadership, and effective communication.
🧒 For Grades 4–12 – Beginner to Advanced Levels
💻 100% Online · Taught Live via Zoom · EST Time

​🧠 What Is Public Forum Debate?

Public Forum (PF) Debate is a popular two-on-two debate format where students engage with real-world, current event topics.
Each round features one team arguing the Pro side and one team arguing the Con. A coin toss determines which team chooses their side or speaking position (1st or 2nd). Students then:
  • Build and present compelling cases
  • Engage in direct refutation and rebuttal
  • Participate in crossfire (a fast-paced question-and-answer session)
  • Adapt to judges who can be community members, parents, or coaches
💡 PF helps students learn how to think critically, communicate persuasively, and respectfully disagree — all essential life and leadership skills.

​🕒 Typical Virtual Class Schedule (2-Hour Session)

Our live sessions are designed to keep students fully engaged from start to finish. Each class is a mix of instruction, practice, and real-time feedback.
🕙 10:00–10:30 AM
Activity #1: The Power of Public Speaking & Debate
🕥 10:30–11:00 AM
Activity #2: Breaking Down the Debate Roles & Responsibilities
🕚 11:00–11:30 AM
Activity #3: Group Preparation for Debate
🕦 11:30–12:00 PM
Activity #4: Practice Debates
⚡ All classes are 100% live via Zoom and grouped by grade level: 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

(Trusted by Families Across the U.S.)
✅ REGISTER NOW
🗣️​ "My 15 year old daughter participated in the virtual debate academy and absolutely loved the program.  The coaches were great and she made an amazing progress in critical thinking and public speaking skills."
🗣️​ "Great experience for my talkative 5th grader. He received a wonderful coaching on how to formulate and support a claim. We are looking forward to participating in another class soon.
🗣️​ "The instructor is so knowledgeable and good with kids. He makes it fun all the time. I am signing up both of my children for the advanced PF classes."
Picture

​❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📌 How are students grouped?
We offer separate classes for Grades 4–5, 6–8, and 9–12 so students learn and compete with peers at their level.

📌 Does my child need prior debate experience? 
No experience required! We welcome both beginners and experienced debaters. Each student receives age-appropriate coaching.

📌 Are the classes live or pre-recorded?
All classes are 100% live on Zoom, led by experienced coaches who provide real-time feedback and interaction.

📌 What time zone are classes in?
All classes are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Please adjust if you're joining from another time zone.

📌 Is there a tournament included?
Yes! Each seasonal program includes a Virtual Tournament during the final week of the session.

📌 Can I choose between morning and afternoon sessions?
​Yes — families can choose between 10–12 PM or 4–6 PM EST when registering (based on availability).

Sample Video of Public Forum Debate

This video is from NSDA Nationals 2018 - PF Debate Final Round

​The resolution is "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences."
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  • Home
  • VIRTUAL DEBATE SCHOOL
    • Public Forum Debate
    • Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
    • Media Consent Form
  • VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP
    • Public Forum Debate
    • Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Application
  • FOR SCHOOLS
    • School Debate Program Offerings
    • School Registration Form
    • TOURNAMENTS >
      • Tournament Registration
      • Tournament Highlights
      • Community Service Log In
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Positions >
      • Be A Debate Instructor
      • Be An Outreach Organizer
      • Be A Parent Leader
      • Be A Debate Judge
  • RESOURCES
    • What is Debate?
    • Benefits of Debate
    • Top Summer Activity to Enhance Your Child's Confidence
    • How Can Debate Enhance Critical Thinking and Learning?
    • Best Summer Activity: Why Kids Need Debate Camp
    • 5 Best Debate Summer Camps
    • Perfect Summer Camp Near You
    • Affordable Summer Camp
    • Summer Camp for Teens
    • YMCA Summer Camp Vs Debate Summer Camp
    • Empower Your Child This Summer with Public Speaking Summer Camps