What should I expect?
Each class meeting is unique and designed with the needs of the students in mind. We strive to get students up and debating as fast as possible and work to teach fundamental debate skills that are appropriate for the course level. Students will participate in speaking exercises and mock debates, learn important skills, such as how to conduct research and write cases, and improve their public speaking skills through the lens of a debate topic of global importance. 

What type of debate is this?
Public Forum is a partner based debate format where students present arguments for and against a set resolution. This particular style of debate encourages students to research the topics beforehand and write up "cases," which strengthen students' research and writing skills. During competition, students are tasked with presenting their cases to a judge while taking the time to rebut the opposing teams' arguments. 

What skills will my child develop by joining your team?
Debating helps students improve their public speaking, critical thinking, logical reasoning, research and writing skills. Students who participate in debate will also be able to identify logical fallacies, gain confidence, and expand their understanding of current events. Studies show that debaters, on average, have higher grades in school, stronger test scores, and better college admission outcomes. In fact, our top ranked debaters are consistently admitted into the top colleges around the nation, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. 

What is a free trial/tryout?
Our free trial/tryout is a great way for families to learn more about our program and assess if debate might be for them, as well as an opportunity for our team to assess if students interested in debate are ready for our program. During our free trial/tryout, students work in small groups with an instructor to run through debate exercises. Once tryouts are over our team will reach out to all accepted students with recommended next steps. Most students are placed into our classes for beginners, but experienced debaters can be placed into more advanced classes.

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What if I realize debate is not for my student?

If a student who is new to our debate team drops from the team after the first class, a full refund will be provided as long as the coach is notified at least 24 hours before the start of the second class. No refunds will be provided outside of this window.

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