Program Policies

This page summarizes Washington Debate Academy's core program policies. It is a starter website-information document and will be supplemented by a formal enrollment agreement, code of conduct, and related documents in a future phase.

Attendance

• No makeup classes are offered for individual student absences.
• No partial tuition credits are issued for missed classes.
• No refunds are issued for individual missed classes.

Tournaments

• Tournaments generally take place on weekends.
• Tournament announcements are generally provided 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Tournament fees and related costs are separate from annual tuition.
• Tournament participation depends on readiness, format, availability, eligibility, and event rules.

Washington Debate Academy does not currently claim formal affiliation with WSFA, WIAA, NSDA, or any other governing organization. Tournament participation depends on readiness, format, availability, eligibility, and event rules, and is never guaranteed. We do not guarantee entry into any specific tournament, qualifier, state championship, or national event.

Student Progression

Students progress through five levels — Spark, Contender, Challenger, Champion, and Titan — based on demonstrated skill, readiness, performance, professionalism, and leadership, as determined by coaches and program organizers through continuous evaluation. Progression is not automatic based on grade, age, number of semesters, or years enrolled.

Debate Formats

Students develop common foundational skills and later receive focused coaching in an appropriate competitive event among Extemporaneous Speaking, Congressional Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and World Schools Debate.

Conduct

Students are expected to treat coaches, peers, opponents, and judges with respect and professionalism at all times, both in class and at tournaments.

Contact Us

washingtondebateacademy@gmail.com · (973) 979-4698

Internal note: this starter policy should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel before public launch, and will be expanded into a formal enrollment agreement and code of conduct in a future phase.