FAQs

Each class meeting is unique and designed with the needs of the students in mind. We strive to get students up and debating, and speaking, as fast as possible, and work to teach fundamental debate skills that are appropriate for the course level. Students will participate in speaking exercises and mock debates, learn important skills including how to conduct research and write cases, and improve their public speaking skills through the lens of a debate topic of global importance.

Public Forum is a partner based debate format in which students present arguments for and against a set resolution. It encourages students to research topics beforehand and write “cases,” which strengthen research and writing skills. During competition, students present their case to a judge and rebut arguments of the opposing team.

Public speaking, critical thinking, logical reasoning, research and writing skills. Participants in student debate classes will learn to identify logical fallacies, gain confidence, and expand their understanding of current events.

With your own knowledge of your student, the input of your free assessment class coach, and our help, you’ll be able to determine which course is best for your student.

Both! We have in-person classes at our location in Rockville, MD. Most classes are held virtually.

Already know which program you want? Skip the assessment class and enroll directly in a program by submitting a registration form.

Our free trial/tryout is a great way for families to learn more about our program and assess if debate might be for them, as well as an opportunity for our team to assess if students interested in debate are ready for our program. During our free trial/tryout, students work in small groups with an instructor to run through debate exercises. Once our free trial is over, our team will reach out to all accepted students with recommended next steps.

If a student who is new to our debate team drops from the team after the first class, a full refund will be provided as long as the coach is notified at least 24 hours before the start of the second class. No refunds will be provided outside of this window.

To show our appreciation for our dedicated families, we are excited to offer a referral program that rewards families for helping us grow our debate community.

Official Policy
For every new family referred to Potomac Debate Academy, the referring and referred family will each receive one free intramural tournament credit. The credit can be used toward any upcoming intramural tournament within the current academic year.

Eligibility and Guidelines:
A “new family” is defined as a family that has not previously enrolled in any Potomac Debate Academy programs.
The referred family must complete registration and payment for a class session (programs outside of after school classes, such as private coaching or summer camp, are not eligible) before the credits are awarded.
There is no limit to the number of families you can refer.
Credits are non-transferable and must be used within the current academic year.
Families must complete the Referral Claim Form within fourteen days of their registration.
Referral credit claims are evaluated on an ongoing basis, typically within 7-10 business days of submission.

How to Claim:
Once a family you have referred has registered for class, both families are encouraged to submit our Referral Claim Form to receive their credit: http://pdareferralclaimform.paperform.co/.

Thank you for helping Potomac Debate Academy grow – your support makes a difference!

Tournaments are a great way for students to practice their skills, get feedback from experienced coaches and judges, and win awards! Each session, debaters will be invited to participate in our intramural tournament where students will have an opportunity to receive feedback from seasoned judges and to experience the thrill of competitive debate.

Students are NOT required to attend tournaments. However, we do strongly encourage students to participate. The more rounds a speaker does, the faster they find things making sense and the faster they grow.