Prospective Debaters

Woodward Academy Debate is open to all Upper School students in good academic standing. While some of our debaters have participated in the Middle School Debate program, many have no experience prior to their ninth grade year. Each August, we recruit a new class of incoming freshmen to join our squad and become part of the Woodward Academy Debate family. 

Students must enroll in EP or HP Debate as a first semester course to be a member of the team. Students who want to continue debating will then take HP Intermediate Debate in the second semester.

Are you interested in becoming a member of the team? We'd love to have you. The following information is targeted at students just like you that are considering joining the team:

• • The Benefits of Debate — find out why debate is such an incredible activity (and see the evidence).

  • The Top 5 Reasons to Join Debate — we've distilled our case down to the essentials.

  • Frequently Asked Questions — have a question about the debate team? Look for answers here.

  • Debate and the SAT — download (PDF) our flyer about debate's role in preparing students for the redesigned SAT, and see how many debaters have earned Woodward's STAR Student Award

The strongest testimonial to the debate program at Woodward Academy is the success of our alumni. We encourage you to take a look at what they've accomplished: you can view the list of colleges and universities they've attended, review the success they've had as college debaters, and read about some of their many professional accomplishments.

Ready to take the first step? Please contact Ms. Berthiaume with any questions about the debate team.