Each year, over 200 students (aged 8-15) participate in weekly debate classes and summer camps at Eloquence. Over the course of the semester, students delve into the art of rhetoric through engaging assignments, activities, games, friendly competitions, drills, and lectures from our experienced faculty. Through our refined curriculum, students will learn how to work with a partner, appeal to different judges, construct a sound argument, and employ a confident delivery. All classes are enhanced by critical thinking games, such as logic puzzles and trivia.

Our flagship summer program, themed “Impactful Storytelling" is a one-week online camp that combines debate, analytical writing, public policy, and financial literacy curriculum. Camp kicks off with an opening assembly and keynote from a guest speaker, typically a local official, Eloquence alum, or former debater. Students then follow an individualized schedule encompassing a variety of full-camp lectures and small group activities in “labs”. A one-hour lunch break is provided in the middle of each day. The camp ends with an intramural tournament where students show off their skills to friends, fellow campers, and judges!

We continually assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in an effort to best support them. Students are provided constant written and oral feedback on their work, allowing them to improve throughout the program. Beyond communication, debate helps students improve their logical reasoning, critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

A full class semester includes:

  • 10 hours of live classroom instruction

  • 2 personal makeup sessions

  • complementary guest lectures and workshops

  • written progress report at end of semester

  • opportunities to attend virtual debate tournaments

10

Maximum Class Size

45

Minutes Class Length

10

Classes per Term

Registration: Tips & Tricks

For more in-depth information about our pedagogical practices and class levels, please visit our course catalog.

We recommend that all new Eloquence students or novice debaters register for the introductory course. Students transferring from another debate academy should book a meeting on our calendar to be placed in the appropriate class level.

All courses are offered via Zoom. Throughout the school year, in-person classes are available at select local libraries, community centers, schools, and office buildings. Given the limited facilities that Eloquence works with, spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no in-person programs over the summer. To see if an in-person class is available in your geographic area, please e-mail us and we will connect you with your local Regional Director.

In 2023-2024, in-person classes were available in Los Angeles, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, and Vancouver.