Programs
National Topic | September – January
High School Debate
“The feeling of getting a medal is one of the best ever, whether you’re a rookie or varsity debater – because you know that you were matched against people of your own skill level, and you were able to beat them. That makes you confident.”
– Nora, Central High School
In this program, our students join policy debaters nationwide in researching, debating, and competing in rounds examining a topic chosen by the National Speech & Debate Association. The 2022-23 national policy debate resolution is: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity.
Students compete at up to 14 debate tournaments from September to December. Debaters are paired into partnerships (2-person teams) with a classmate at the same level of competitive mastery. Our debate divisions are designed to get students at every point of entry excited about debate:
Rookie: For new students reading at or below 9th grade English reading level. A basic packet including affirmative & negative cases of evidence, arguments, and refutations is provided to all rookie competitors.
- Closed Novice: For new students reading at or above 10th grade reading level and returning rookies. A packet including basic affirmative & negative cases of evidence, arguments, and refutations is provided, with more advanced content being released as the season progresses.
- Open Novice: For new students with previous middle school or debate camp experience. No evidence packet is provided, but the scope of arguments is limited to specific content areas.
- Junior Varsity: For experienced students who are ready for an open debate environment. JV debaters are entirely responsible for research, writing their own cases, and preparing to respond to unfamiliar arguments.
- Varsity: For very experienced students who are ready for a high level of competition. Varsity debaters are responsible for mastery of research, generating original cases, responding to advanced arguments.
