Our classes are small. Classes either have 1 coach and 2-4 students, or 2 coaches and 4-6 students.
Ages & Grades
Students grades 2 - 10 are welcome. Classes are divided by grade & experience.
Deadlines
Our next semester begins the in July. The deposit deadline is May 24th.
Dates & Time
If you choose to make a deposit, you will be asked to fill out a scheduling form. We will schedule the class based on the availability you indicate on this form. In case we cannot find a time that works for you, we will refund your deposit.
Price
The price of our 8-week program starts at $385. Any time before the second class, deposit can be refunded for any reason (or no reason at all).
“Being educated is not as important as having the ability to learn”
See what our parents are saying
This training at Carnegie Debate has allowed him to feel more comfortable at school and expressing himself
Michael,
Parent, Carnegie Debate Fall' 20 Semester
Let’s give her the tools to be able to articulate her point
Reserve a free session with our world-class team of coaches for your
child to see how debate can be fulfilling part of their future.
Communication
Our class engages verbal and non-verbal communication. In one game, students "win" if their classmates can guess the emotion they are conveying while delivering a speech.
Creativity
Students are tasked with coming up with novel, creative arguments, and responding to their opponents' arguments.
Collaboration
Students work in teams to prepare for debates, and debate together as a team.
Critical Thinking
Students engage in online research, guided by our coaches. Their arguments are tested by classmates and coaches.
“Don't raise your voice, improve your argument." - Desmont Tutu
Address at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa, 23 November 2004
9.8%
Average debate student is in top 9.8% of his/her class.(Source)
55%
of debaters become either university professors, top corporate executives, or government officials. (Source)
98.58%
of debaters go to college, with many attending prestigious universities. (Source)
92%
the average debater scores higher than 92% of SAT/ACT test-takers. (Source)
THE CARNEGIE DEBATE STAFF
An accomplished coaching staff
of experienced debaters
Because our coaches are young, they connect with the students and
ensure the class is both fun and productive.
Greg Volynsky
Founder
Debate made me feel that even the most serious problems are not beyond my ability to understand and impact.
I started Carnegie Debate while a student at Carnegie Mellon, and currently study at Harvard Law School.
Julia Kreutzer
Director of Operations
A national semi-finalist in persuasive speaking, I’m passionate about making public speaking and rhetorical skills accessible to students of all ages.
Jaden Uram
Operations
After five years of debate, I have learned that creating strong arguments is the foundation of persuasive speeches and impactful essays.
Ryan Steinly
Operations
I am passionate about the intersection of language, rhetoric, and the law. I am attending Harvard Law School after graduation to further study law and public policy.
Why We Coach: “We’re able to focus on learning for learning’s sake and learning for self improvement.”
If you choose not to continue with the program, we will refund your deposit. No questions asked.
2nd - 4th Grade
Debate
We introduce students to the fundamentals of debate.
Research
We discuss different kinds of evidence and engage in critical argumentation.
Games & activities
Almost all of the core lessons are taught through games and activities.
5th - 7th Grade
Debate
We dive deeper into a certain debate format.
Research
We also engage in research, but we expect students to be able to
compose more comprehensive plans and articulate more nuanced
ideas.
Games & activities
Much of the class is still taught through games and activities.
8th - 10th Grade
Debate
These students have a solid baseline understanding of the research
process, and of different kinds of evidence.
Research
We focus on the validity of arguments, logical flaws, and building a
structurally complex case.
Games & activities
Students engage in debates with each other and our coaches.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Why virtual?
The virtual format allows us to connect your child with a web of experienced coaches and passionate students around the country.
2. When are the classes?
After you deposit, you will be sent a scheduling form. Based on your responses, we will schedule the class at a time convenient for you.
3. How big are our classes?
Our class sizes range from 2-6 students, with one coach for every 2-3 debater.
4. If you would like to discuss different financing options — such as staggered payments — or have questions concerning our classes, please email Jaden@CarnegieDebate.com to discuss our procedures.