Chicago

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Register by 1/14/25

Chicago Speech & Debate Classes

Civic Debate Academy is now hosting debate and speaking classes for Chicago! CDA debate is the #1 ranked speech and debate class in Chicago and we can't wait to work with your child!

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Student's Voice

CDA has smoothed out my transition between local competition and debate at the national level with generous considerations regarding my family’s financial situation. From the weekly lectures to the tight-knit labs, the tailored education at CDA has helped me hone my technical debate skills and become a better speaker.

Adonay Mahatsente-Tewelde

University of Pennsylvania c/o 2029

Introduction to Debate - MS

Dates: Jan 14, 2025 – Mar 18, 2025

Times: Tuesday 7:10 PM - 8:10 PM CST

In Partnership With: Arlington Heights Park District

Price (R/NR): $225 / $255

Taught by trained coaches, our curriculum blends interactive drills and engaging lectures to build students' ability to persuade and defend their positions. The program will culminate in a capstone persuasive speech on a topic of the student’s choice

Advanced Public Speaking - ES

Dates: Jan 14, 2025 – Mar 18, 2025

Times: Tuesdays 6:05 PM - 7:05 PM CST

In Partnership With: Arlington Heights Park District

Price (R/NR): $225 / $255

Taught by trained coaches, our curriculum blends interactive games and engaging lessons, building foundational critical thinking and argumentation skills. The program culminates in a persuasive presentation on a topic of the student’s choice!

Intro to Public Speaking - ES

Dates: Jan 14, 2025 – Mar 18, 2025

Times: Tuesdays 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

In Partnership With: Arlington Heights Park District

Price (R/NR): $225 / $255

Taught by trained instructors, our curriculum utilizes a mixture of games and short lessons meant to maximum fun and learning! The program will culminate in a short presentation on a topic of the student’s choice!

Introduction to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jan 16, 2025 – Mar 20, 2025

Times: Thursdays 8:00 - 9:00pm CST

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

Focuses on mastering debate structure and argumentation using current events and social studies. Students sharpen critical thinking skills, gaining a deeper understanding of real-world issues to craft thoughtful, persuasive arguments.

Introduction to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 15, 2025 – Mar 19, 2025

Times: Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00pm CST

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

Focuses on mastering debate structure and argumentation using current events and social studies. Students sharpen critical thinking skills, gaining a deeper understanding of real-world issues to craft thoughtful, persuasive arguments.

Introduction to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jan 12, 2025 – Mar 16, 2025

Times: Sundays 4:00 - 5:00pm CST

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

Focuses on mastering debate structure and argumentation using current events and social studies. Students sharpen critical thinking skills, gaining a deeper understanding of real-world issues to craft thoughtful, persuasive arguments.

Our 2024-2025 Results

19

Bids

18

Tournaments

48

Team Awards

3

Championships

1,231

Rounds

Why Debate?

Become A Critical Thinker

Debate sharpens students’ critical thinking, requiring them to evaluate multiple perspectives, construct well-reasoned arguments, and respond to opposing views.

Supercharge Confidence

Debate empowers students to articulate their thoughts clearly, handle adversity, and engage confidently in real-world discussions, enhancing their communication skills and self-assurance.

Understand The World

Engaging with debate topics makes learning relevant and dynamic, fostering informed citizens who can articulate diverse perspectives and understand the world around them.

Boost College Admissions

Debate's unparalleled ability to teach essential skills makes it the number one activity for Ivy League admittance. Almost half of the 2027 Harvard class competed in a debate activity.

Still Not Convinced? Numbers Don't Lie.

30%

Top Tier College
Acceptance Rates

37%

Increase in Core Test Scores

87%

Increase in Analytical Skills

15%

Increase in Internal Self-Esteem Scores

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