Helping students unlock
the power of debate ›
and public speaking ›.

Programs for grades 2-12

Debate can make
all the difference.

Potomac Debate Academy helps your child reach their fullest potential, giving them every advantage that the real world requires. Through our online and in-person courses or our summer camp program, students uncover real, tangible skills – from confidently delivering a class presentation to acing a college interview.

We’re building the next generation of thinkers and speakers, who go to top colleges, reach exceptional academic results, and are well-rounded citizens.

Get Started!
1) Try a free class.

If you’re not sure where to start, attend a free debate class. You’ll get a feel for debate, and then can be placed into a class by one of our coaches.

Try a Free Class

2) Enroll now.

Already know which program you want? Well aware of your debate skills? Then simply find the class you like and enroll directly now. No assessment class needed.

Enroll Now

Coaches

Our nationally recognized instructors offer decades of experience and are dedicated to helping every student find their voice.

Tournaments

Our students compete successfully in competitions around the country, including tournaments at Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, and more.

Summer Camp

Our national sleepaway debate camp for middle and high school debaters creates an intensive summer experience. Hosted at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Programs

We offer leading debate and public speaking classes for students in grades 2 through 12, both in-person and online across the country.

Exceptional Results

See All Results

2,800+ students
taught this year

Competed in
50+ Debate
Tournaments
Yearly

Harvard
& IPPF World
Champions

Won 2,000+ Team
Awards including
National Championships

1,000+ Speaker Awards

Potomac students went on to attend

  • Brown Logo
  • Columbia_Logo
  • Cornell University Logo
  • Dartmouth Logo
  • Harvard University Logo
  • University of Penn Logo
  • Princeton University Logo
  • Yale University Logo

Recent Tournament Results

  • Champions

    2022, 2023 & 2024 annual Harvard University tournament

  • Champions

    2024 HS Silver Tournament of Champions

  • World Champions

    2023 IPPF World Championship – Hosted by NYU & Brewer Foundation

Experience your highest
potential at PDA.

Reviews & Testimonials

See all reviews

Debate has been the most vital activity I’ve participated in during my entire life. First and foremost, it has helped me find my voice, then channel it into crucial discussions on modern-day issues. The skills of speaking, research, and respectful discourse are those that I will undoubtedly carry with me in the decades to come.

Carina G.
The University of Pennsylvania

Most importantly, debate gave me confidence as a speaker, which helped greatly not only in interviews but also in almost every facet of academics, from making a good impression on teachers who write recommendations to connecting with professionals, to presenting at science fairs and conferences.

Dhruv
Stanford University

I first joined Potomac Debate Academy expecting to improve my public speaking and argumentation skills. Not only was I able to do that, but I was also able to create lifelong friends and learn many meaningful lessons about how to be a good friend, partner, and teammate.

Austin M
Northwestern University

Amazing experience both working as a coach and participating in this program, would recommend to everyone!

Vinay Durbhakula

Potomac Oak is a great institution with top-notch coaches and a very welcoming environment! I was able opened up to so many different opportunities and resources and met a great community as well.

Emily Wu
UCLA

After 3 years on the team, I can surely say that Potomac Debate Academy boasts a great curriculum and even better staff to truly make any student a more confident and educated public speaker.

Eshaan Moorjani