WELCOME TO CARNEGIE DEBATE

Empowering young minds toward
academic and personal success

THE PROGRAM

Empowering young minds
towards academic and
personal success

Class size
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

Ally,
Parent, Carnegie Debate Fall' 20 Semester

CORE VALUES

The 4 C's of the 21st Century

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.”

PRICING & PLANS

Our small classes allow us to create an experience 
tailored to your child's aspiration.

Classic
Get Started with Debate
$
385
Deposit to Reserve Seat: $25
  • 8 Weeks
  • Weekly 1.5 hr. classes
  • Capstone showcase debate


Mentorship
GET STARTED WITH DEBATE
$
575
Deposit to Reserve Seat: $50
  • 8 Weeks
  • Weekly 1.5 hr. classes
  • Capstone showcase debate
  • Bi-weekly, 30 min, 1:1 coaching
  • Monthly speaking/improv seminar
Mentorship PLUS
GET STARTED WITH DEBATE
$
1165
Deposit to Reserve Seat: $150
  • 8 Weeks
  • Weekly 1.5 hr. classes
  • Capstone showcase debate
  • Weekly, 30 min, 1:1 coaching
  • Monthly speaking/improv seminar

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.
     

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