Competitive Debate, Grades 5–12
From First Argument to Tournament Stage
Structured competitive debate training for students in Grades 5–12.
Washington Debate Academy helps students build strong foundations, receive focused coaching, prepare for tournaments, and progress through demonstrated skill, performance, and leadership.
- Day
- Thursdays
- Time
- 5:30–7:00 PM
- Location
- Tesla STEM High School
- City
- Redmond, Washington
A Structured Pathway to Competitive Debate
Washington Debate Academy is an in-person competitive debate academy serving students in Grades 5–12. Students learn how to research complex topics, construct persuasive arguments, respond under pressure, communicate with confidence, and engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints.
The program welcomes both first-time debaters and experienced competitors. Students begin with core skills and progress toward tournament competition, advanced performance, mentorship, and leadership.
Why Debate
Skills That Extend Far Beyond the Round
Critical thinking
Research
Evidence evaluation
Argument construction
Active listening
Confident communication
Teamwork
Leadership
Debate Formats
Four Competitive Formats, One Foundation
Students develop common foundational skills, then receive focused coaching in an appropriate competitive event.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Students analyze current events and prepare structured, persuasive speeches within a limited preparation period.
- Current-events awareness
- Research
- Analysis
Congressional Debate
Students participate in a simulated legislative chamber and deliver speeches for and against proposed legislation.
- Legislative analysis
- Parliamentary procedure
- Persuasive speaking
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
A one-on-one debate format centered on values, ethics, philosophy, and public policy.
- Values-based reasoning
- Framework development
- Case construction
World Schools Debate
A team-based format that combines prepared and impromptu motions.
- Teamwork
- Argumentation
- Rebuttal
Student Journey
Students Progress Through Skill, Not Time
Students are evaluated continuously by the coaching team. Advancement is based on demonstrated skills, competition readiness, performance, professionalism, and leadership.
Spark
Building the foundation
Contender
Applying core skills
Challenger
Becoming competition-ready
Champion
Performing at an advanced level
Titan
Leading and leaving a legacy
Spark
Building the foundation
Contender
Applying core skills
Challenger
Becoming competition-ready
Champion
Performing at an advanced level
Titan
Leading and leaving a legacy
Competition Pathway
From Practice Room to Tournament Round
Preparation is steady and cumulative. Students build toward competition through structured practice, coaching, and feedback — never a shortcut, and never a guarantee of a specific result.
- 1Practice rounds
- 2Research
- 3Case preparation
- 4Rebuttal
- 5Delivery coaching
- 6Tournament procedures
- 7Feedback and improvement
Schedule & Location
Join Us on the Eastside
Classes begin September 10, 2026 and meet weekly at Tesla STEM High School in Redmond, Washington, serving students throughout Redmond, Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah, and neighboring Eastside communities.
- Start Date
- September 10, 2026
- Class Day
- Thursdays
- Class Time
- 5:30–7:00 PM
- Location
- Tesla STEM High School
- Sessions
- Approximately 30 classes
- Breaks
- Aligned with LWSD calendar
Tuition
Straightforward, Published Pricing
Pay in Full
$1,000
for the academic year
Two-Payment Option
$550 + $550
September and January · $1,100 total
$50 registration fee (waived before September 5)
25% off a second sibling’s tuition
Help Your Student Strengthen Their Voice and Their Argument
Curriculum
Seven Pillars of Debate Instruction
Research and Evidence Evaluation
Logical Reasoning and Argument Construction
Rebuttal and Refutation
Public Speaking and Persuasive Delivery
Listening and Flowing
Teamwork and Collaboration