Build confidence, communication, and critical thinking in our live Homeschool Debate League. Learners develop debate skills through engaging lessons, impromptu speaking, mini debates, and weekly tournament preparation, culminating in virtual debate competitions.
Our Homeschool Debate League is an award-winning, live, interactive, virtual program designed specifically for homeschool learners who want to build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and become strong communicators.
No prior debate experience is required. We start with the fundamentals and build skills step by step so learners gain confidence while being challenged at the right pace.
Whether your learner simply wants to become a stronger communicator or hopes to compete in tournaments, this program provides a clear path for growth.
Throughout the program, learners will:
The Homeschool Debate League is divided into separate 6-week levels, each with its own focus and milestone.
Families register for one level at a time, so there’s no long-term commitment. After completing a level, you can decide whether your learner is ready and excited to continue.
Many learners choose to keep progressing because each level introduces new challenges and prepares them for the next stage of competitive debate, but there’s no expectation that every student completes all levels.
No experience necessary!
Level 1 is a true introduction to both speech and debate. We begin with public speaking, then gradually introduce the fundamentals of debate.
Learners will learn how to:
By Week 3, every learner will have the opportunity to present a prepared speech to the class.
Then we make the transition from speaking to debating!
Learners will explore:
Every class includes opportunities to speak, debate, practice, and apply new skills rather than simply listening to a lesson.
Level 1 goal: Learners leave with the confidence to write and deliver a prepared speech, strategies for speaking without preparation, and a strong introduction to argument construction and refutation.
If your learner enjoys Level 1 and wants to keep developing these skills, they can continue through our additional levels.
You don’t have to take every level, but each one builds on the skills learned previously.
Now we’re ready to take debate to the next level.
Learners move from practicing debate skills to preparing for competition.
They’ll learn:
Milestone: Prepare for a recorded debate tournament.
Learners who are ready to compete live will take their skills into full debate rounds.
We’ll focus on:
Milestone: Prepare for and participate in a live virtual debate tournament.
At the highest level, learners become students of how arguments work.
They’ll learn to identify and analyze flawed reasoning, including common logical fallacies, while applying those skills to debate, media, advertising, and everyday arguments.
Learners will practice:
For learners who want to become stronger, more strategic competitors, this level focuses on taking their debate skills further.
Learners will work on:
The emphasis shifts from simply knowing how to debate to understanding how to debate strategically.
Your learner doesn’t need to know where they’ll end up when they start.
Start with Level 1.
If they discover that they love public speaking, they can continue.
If they become interested in competitive debate, they can move into Level 2.
If they want to compete, they can continue toward live tournaments.
And if they simply want to become a more confident communicator and critical thinker, Level 1 can stand completely on its own.
Level 1 → Learn the foundation
Level 2 → Prepare to compete
Level 3 → Compete live
Level 4 → Master argument analysis & critical thinking
Level 5 → Develop advanced strategy
One level at a time. One skill at a time. One step closer to becoming a confident communicator.
These aren’t lecture-heavy classes. Learners spend their time speaking, practicing, debating, and getting feedback.
Each 90-minute class includes 75 minutes of active instruction and practice, followed by 15 minutes of optional homework and coaching time.
During the final 15 minutes, learners can:
That means learners get both structured group instruction and time for individualized support.
Whether they stop after Level 1 or continue through the entire pathway, learners are developing skills that go far beyond debate:
The goal isn’t simply to create better debaters. It’s to help young people become confident, capable communicators who know how to use their voices.
Private groups and 1:1 tutoring are also available by request.
Our Homeschool Debate League is designed to help learners progress, but without a long-term commitment. Level 1 is perfect for beginners and assumes no prior debate experience. We'll teach the fundamentals step by step, building the skills and confidence needed to participate in debate tournaments. Learners interested in Levels 2–5 should first complete the previous level or have equivalent debate experience.
Each class is 90 minutes long.
For the first 75 minutes, learners participate in engaging, instructor-led activities including:
🎤 Impromptu speaking
🧠 New debate instruction
🤝 Mini debates
🏆 Tournament preparation
💬 Personalized coaching and feedback
The Final 15 Minutes: Study Hall & Coach Time
We know every learner works at a different pace. That's why we intentionally reserve the last 15 minutes for optional support.
During this time, learners can:
- Finish or get a head start on their weekly homework
- Ask additional questions
- Receive extra coaching on their debate case
- Practice tournament speeches
- Get feedback on research or evidence
- Stay for additional help—or log off early if they're finished
This flexible time ensures learners get the individualized support they need while giving families the convenience of completing some of the week's work during class.
No! Each level is a separate 6-week course, and families only commit to one level at a time. While many learners enjoy continuing through the levels as they build confidence and skills, there is no requirement to complete all four.
Level 1 provides a complete beginner-friendly experience. After each level, you can decide whether your learner is ready to continue, take a break, or explore other opportunities.
Our Homeschool Debate League is designed as a four-level progression, so learners can grow at their own pace. Level 1 is perfect for beginners and assumes no prior debate experience. We'll teach the fundamentals step by step, building the skills and confidence needed to participate in debate tournaments. Learners interested in Levels 2–5 should first complete the previous level or have equivalent debate experience.
Tournament participation is encouraged but not required. The skills learned in this class benefit all learners, whether they want to compete or simply become stronger communicators and critical thinkers.
Tournaments are all virtual and through National Online Forensics, an internationally recognized tournament provider. We are thrilled to partner with them, as historically, homeschoolers have been largely excluded from speech and debate tournaments. We align with National Online Forensics in that all interested learners should be able to experience speech and debate competitions, regardless of where they live or attend school.
Yes, learners will have some preparation between classes, such as researching topics, practicing speeches, or completing debate assignments. The final 15 minutes of each class are reserved for study hall and coach support, giving learners time to begin homework, ask questions, or receive additional help. Expect anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours of homework per week.
During class, learners will practice debating a variety of real-world topics designed to build critical thinking and communication skills. Mini-debate topics may include questions about technology, education, current events, society, and everyday issues that encourage students to consider multiple perspectives. Topics are always age-appropriate.
For tournament preparation, debate resolutions are determined by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA).
Possibly. Learners who have previous debate experience may be able to join a higher level after an assessment or discussion with the instructor to make sure the class is the right fit.
We recommend attending live whenever possible because debate is highly interactive. Recordings/materials may be available for missed instruction, but live participation provides the best experience.
Learners will practice skills used in competitive debate formats, including constructing arguments, rebuttals, crossfire, evidence use, and persuasive speaking. Tournament formats will be Lincoln-Douglass (1:1), SPAR, or Public Forum (2:2).
Absolutely! In fact, many of our coaches and instructors were once shy themselves. Speech and debate changed our lives by helping us find our voices, build confidence, and learn how to communicate with others.
Your learner does not need to be outgoing or naturally comfortable speaking in front of others to join. Debate is a skill that can be learned, and our classes are designed to provide a supportive environment where students can practice, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace.
Many students begin this journey feeling nervous about speaking up. Over time, they develop the confidence to share their ideas, participate in discussions, and approach challenges with a stronger voice. Our goal isn't just to create better debaters; it’s to help learners become confident communicators for life.
There are no bookable times for this class listing yet.
Create a parent account so we can save your child, enrollment, reminders, and checkout details.
You’ll come back to this class after creating your account.
© My Speech and Debate Coach