Looking for the best online debate clubs? We’re here to help!
Finding the right virtual community for learning and practicing debate can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to look for. You could spend hours sorting through the plethora of options on the web, but fortunately, we’ve done the work for you.
In this article, we’re outlining the best online debate clubs and shedding light on the key details you need to know before signing up. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which club is most suitable for your needs. Let’s take a look!
“Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing.”
– Donna J. Abernathy
The Best Online Debate Clubs Ranked
1. Debate Drills
Debate Drills is one of the most professional, comprehensive resources for online debate clubs and tutoring we’ve come across. They offer travel debate clubs, summer camps, and tutoring for students looking to participate in Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum styles of debate, and several debaters they’ve worked with have progressed to compete in the US national Tournament of Champions. Their rigorous programs provide valuable education and experience that is unparalleled in the realm of online debate camps.
Features
- Flexible scheduling
- Diverse coaching staff
- Summer camps last 2-3 weeks
- Travel debate club team operates from August 1 – May 1
- Options for group classes and individual tutoring
- Opportunities to work 1-on-1 with coaches
- Facilitates debate camp tournaments
Pricing
- $1995 for 2-week core camp sessions
- $2995 for 2-week intensive camp sessions
- $3995 for 3-week intensive camp sessions
- $2750 for Public Forum travel debate yearly tuition
- $4275 for Lincoln-Douglas travel debate yearly tuition
2. Potomac Debate Academy
Established in 2014, Potomac Debate Academy has nearly a decade’s worth of experience providing education for student debaters. Students can join their online debate courses as early as grade 4 and learn with others of similar grade levels. Potomac offers month-long summer and fall online debate clubs which prepare students for competition in debate circuits across the United States.
Features
- For students grades 4-12
- Meetings held on Zoom
- Classes are 90 minutes each, twice a week
- Courses last 4 weeks
- Workshops available for extended learning
Prices
- $465 for debate courses
- $300 for workshops
3. Writopia Lab
Writopia Lab’s mission is to help students reach their full writing potential, and it’s no secret that writing is a key component of speech and debate. For this reason, their education workshops include online debate clubs and tournaments where students 10-14 years old can meet, collaborate, and practice the art of arguing. They offer flexible pricing for students who need financial assistance and a long list of sessions which makes it easy for you to find a workshop that fits your schedule.
Features
- For students ages 10-14
- Classes are 1.5-3 hours long
- Variety of classes to accommodate different schedules
- Courses last from one week to several months
- Separate classes available for novice and experienced debaters
- Accepts financial aid
- Facilitates online debate tournaments
Prices
- Pricing varies
- 5-session workshop (example)
- $260 with financial aid
- $405 for tier 2 package
- $535 for tier 1 package
- $645 for full tuition
4. Outschool
Outschool is an education platform where teachers list both private and group classes for students to enroll in. Classes are available for students ages 3-18, which gives it a unique edge over its competition. Other online debate clubs do not accept students below age 10, so Outschool is a preferred option for parents/guardians who wish to provide their young learners with an early start in speech and debate.
Features
- For students ages 3-18
- Customers pay upfront or weekly depending on the class
- Options for both individual and group classes
- Many classes and teachers to choose from
- Easy to find classes at almost any time, any day
- Accommodates debaters of all skill levels
Pricing
- Pricing varies
- $8-$100 per class
5. Ready Set Debate
Ready Set Debate offers online debate clubs, camps, and tournaments for 10-17 year olds. The company’s well-rounded programs are led by college students and cover multiple styles of debate including Policy, Parliamentary, Public Forum, and Lincoln-Douglas. With instruction on debate framework. and technical knowledge, their clubs are perfect for those wanting to participate in tournaments.
Features
- Provides instruction on multiple styles of debate
- Classes available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays
- Session times are between 1pm and 9pm CST
- Class length is 2 hours
- Requires a four hour per month commitment (2 classes)
- Students are given homework
- Recommended for children ages 10-17
- Younger children are accepted case-by-case
- Facilitates online debate tournaments
Pricing
- $50 per student for registration
- $50/month for one student
- $90/month for two students
- $135/month for three students
- $180/month for four students
- Discounts for annual payment
Final Words
Classroom debate teaches students critical thinking and public speaking skills which will last them a lifetime. Try enrolling them in an online debate club if you’re looking to hone your skills and pave the way for tournament success. Do you have experience with any of the online debate clubs we reviewed? Which do you think is the best? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
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