The Program
A Structured Path to Competitive Debate
The program combines foundational instruction, focused coaching, live practice, feedback, tournament preparation, and student leadership.
Grades & Ages
Grades 5–12, approximately ages 10–18.
Schedule
Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 PM, beginning September 10, 2026, at Tesla STEM High School in Redmond, Washington.
Coaching Approach
Small, engaged classes with ongoing evaluation, format-specific coaching, and a clear pathway from beginner training to tournament-level competition.
Debate Formats
Four Competitive Formats
Students develop common foundational skills and later 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
Extemporaneous Speaking
Students analyze current events and prepare structured, persuasive speeches within a limited preparation period.
Key Skills
- Current-events awareness
- Research
- Analysis
- Organization
- Persuasive delivery
- Speaking under time pressure
Congressional Debate
Students participate in a simulated legislative chamber and deliver speeches for and against proposed legislation.
Key Skills
- Legislative analysis
- Parliamentary procedure
- Persuasive speaking
- Questioning
- Rebuttal
- Strategic participation
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
A one-on-one debate format centered on values, ethics, philosophy, and public policy.
Key Skills
- Values-based reasoning
- Framework development
- Case construction
- Cross-examination
- Refutation
- Strategic argument comparison
World Schools Debate
A team-based format that combines prepared and impromptu motions.
Key Skills
- Teamwork
- Argumentation
- Rebuttal
- Strategy
- Persuasive delivery
- Adaptation during a live round
Curriculum
Seven Pillars of Debate Instruction
Research and Evidence Evaluation
- Research unfamiliar subjects
- Identify credible sources
- Evaluate evidence
- Recognize bias and context
Logical Reasoning and Argument Construction
- Claims
- Warrants
- Evidence
- Impacts
Rebuttal and Refutation
- Identify central arguments
- Respond directly
- Expose weak reasoning
- Compare competing impacts
Public Speaking and Persuasive Delivery
- Vocal clarity
- Speech organization
- Confident body language
- Persuasion
Listening and Flowing
- Active listening
- Structured note-taking
- Argument tracking
- Rebuttal preparation
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Collaborative research
- Division of responsibilities
- Peer feedback
- Strategic coordination
Leadership and Mentorship
- Mentor developing students
- Lead drills
- Support practice rounds
- Provide feedback
In the Classroom
What a Lesson May Include
Sessions combine instruction, drills, research, and live practice so students apply what they learn every week.
- Short instructional segments
- Speaking drills
- Research exercises
- Practice debates
- Peer feedback
- Coach feedback
- Case preparation
- Tournament simulations
- Performance review
Attendance
Attendance Policy
- 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.
- Students may receive materials or preparation guidance before returning.
Student Progression
Students Progress Through Skill, Not Time
Advancement through Spark, Contender, Challenger, Champion, and Titan is based on demonstrated skill, readiness, performance, professionalism, and leadership — not grade, age, or semesters enrolled.
Ready to Learn More?
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.