Portland

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Portland Speech & Debate Classes

Civic Debate Academy is now hosting debate and speaking classes for Portland! CDA debate is the #1 ranked speech and debate class in Portland 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

Intro to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 10, 2025

Times: Wednesdays 5–6 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - Elementary School

Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 10, 2025

Times: Wednesdays 7–8 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

An engaging and foundational class for younger students, introducing them to the basics of public speaking and structured debate.

Intro to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jun 10, 2025 – Sep 11, 2025

Times: Thursdays 7–8 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 10, 2025

Times: Wednesdays 5–6 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - Elementary School

Dates: Jun 09, 2025 – Sep 10, 2025

Times: Wednesdays 7–8 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

An engaging and foundational class for younger students, introducing them to the basics of public speaking and structured debate.

Intro to Debate - Middle School

Dates: Jun 10, 2025 – Sep 11, 2025

Times: Thursdays 7–8 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $549 / $

Price: $549

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

View Full Class Schedule
View Full Class Schedule

Our 2024-2025 Results

26

Bids

21

Tournaments

54

Team Awards

4

Championships

1,334

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

Schedule a Free Consultation

Drop us an email!

hello@cdadebate.com

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