Debate
Debate (6th-12th)
Debate preparation is intense! To prepare middle and high school students for this event, in the first years of our program students interested in debate will be assigned to speech events that build the skills necessary to succeed in debate (e.g. limited prep or extemporaneous).
Debate involves an individual or a team of students working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution or topic is, as a general principle, more valid. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of an issue, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side
Debate Event (ONLY Offered at MIddle School level)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD)
About Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who like to debate, but prefer a one-on-one format as opposed to a team or group setting. Additionally, individuals who enjoy LD like exploring questions of how society ought to be. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that s/he is the better debater in the round.