Virginia Debate Academy
Empowering students from across Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area to master the art of argumentation and critical thinking.
What VDA Offers
Summer
Camps
Through Socratic seminars, lectures, workshops, mock debates, and public speaking activities, students develop core competencies in argumentation, critical thinking, communication, research, and public speaking. We offer courses for students in grades 4-12.
Individual Instruction
We provide one-on-one and small group coaching for students looking to continue their development. Every session is tailored to the individual student. Coaches work directly with students on argumentation, research, debate skills, and tournament preparation.
Third-Party Engagements
VDA builds and reinvigorates schools' debate programs with coaching, curricula, and the support teams need to develop sustainable programs. We have provided public speaking and debate seminars to nonprofit and government organizations, including the US State Department.
Why Virginia Debate Academy?
Expert Coaches With Proven Results
Our instructors bring more than debate experience: they are professional senior analysts and educators who provide rich insight into the topics commonly covered in competitive debate. With 25+ years of combined coaching experience, our team has helped students win middle school national championships, advance deep into elimination rounds at national tournaments, and champion numerous state tournaments. Additionally, many VDA students continue years-long coaching and mentorship with our instructors, which helps the students gain leadership positions on their respective teams and gain admission to elite colleges, such as Harvard, Yale, and Duke.
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Small Classes. Individual Attention. Tournament-Ready.
Our small classes and strong student-to-teacher ratio gives students frequent speaking and debating practice, extensive and direct feedback, and more time for individualized coaching. During the week, students participate in at least three debates and numerous public speaking activities, attend office hours, and receive targeted guidance based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. By the end of camp, students leave with tournament-ready cases and experience debating the first topic of the year.
Trusted by Leading Schools and Debate Organizations
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Virginia Debate Academy has been trusted to support debate programs at highly respected schools, including Rachel Carson Middle School and Freedom High School, and has worked with students and programs connected to The Nysmith School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Our team is known across the regional and national debate community, including through our work with organizations such as the NCFL, WASDL, WUDL, NSDA, and BADL. Parents can feel confident choosing a program that schools, leagues, and debate organizations already trust.
"My daughter participated in the VDA camp sessions, and it ignited a drive in her that shocked both my husband and me. She learned key skills head on, and I know her future will be brighter because of the experiences she's had and will have at VDA. I listened in on one of the sessions and was surprised at the sophistication of the content -- concepts and topics that build confidence as well as empathy and awareness around social, political, and economic challenges her generation undoubtedly will face as adults. The judges were great -- very skilled, gave age-appropriate feedback, highly engaged. I was impressed! I highly recommend VDA as an investment in our children and a service to our community!"
— Proud Parent
CONTACT
VIRGINIA DEBATE ACADEMY
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
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