Debate. Speak. Succeed.

Online Debate & Speech Classes for Academic Excellence & Confident Communication

With expert-led online classes that build confidence, critical thinking, and clear communication skills.

Try A Free Class!Browse All Classes

5th–12th Grade

All grade levels

Online

Learn from anywhere

Year-round

See website for dates

5th–12th

Grade Levels

NSD's Track Record

5000+
Alumni

500+
Championships

1000+
TOC BIDS

Why Choose NSD Debate Classes?

Learn from teachers who coach champions.

Intensive Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to help students become the best debaters they can be.

Academic Development

From in-class drills to take-home assignments, NSD's debate classes allow students to grow in all areas of academics.

Instructor Expertise

Our instructors are college graduates from exceptional collegiate speech and debate programs.

Great for 5–8th Grade Students

Designed for beginner debate students to expand their skills on a schedule that works for them.

Virtually Taught

Virtual classes bring NSD's elite staff to you! Broaden your debate knowledge from anywhere.

Exceptional Results

Instructors have previously coached champions at the high school and collegiate level.

Schedule Consultation

How Our Online Classes Are Structured

Get a clear overview of our class format and session times for every course we offer online.

TERM

DURATION & CLASS LENGTH

DATES

Semester

Most Popular

12 weeks, 1.5 hr classes

Sept 7 - Dec 6

Includes Free End of Semester Tournament

Minimester 1

6 weeks, 1.5 hr classes

Sept 7 – Oct 18

Minimester 2

6 weeks, 1.5 hr classes

Oct 19 - Dec 6

1:12 Teacher-Student Ratio

Small class sizes ensure personalized attention

90 Min Min Per Class

Engaging sessions with interactive activities

Weekly Classes

Consistent weekly schedule for families

12 Classes Per Semester

Comprehensive curriculum for skill development

Class Catalog

Browse our complete class offerings by term

Semester

Most Popular

Full semester course (12-15 weeks)

$950

Intro to Debate

Build foundational public speaking confidence and learn the structure of a clear, basic argument through guided practice and supportive feedback.

Intro to PF

Learn to organize ideas, build persuasive arguments, and speak with growing confidence in structured debate rounds.

Middle School JV

Develop strategic reasoning, persuasive delivery, and organized thinking through structured practice and competitive preparation.

Middle School Varsity - First Year

Strengthen analytical depth, research skills, and confident speaking through higher-level debate training.

Middle School Varsity - Second Year

Develop layered strategy, advanced preparation habits, and stronger analytical control in increasingly competitive debate settings.

Minimester 1 & 2

Condensed semesters (6-7 weeks)

$550

Intro to Debate (Part 1)

Develop comfort speaking in front of others while learning speech structure fundamentals and simple argument building.

Intro to Debate (Part 2)

Strengthen speaking confidence and begin applying structured argument skills in guided classroom practice.

Intro to PF (MS - Part 1)

Learn the fundamentals of presenting arguments and responding clearly in a supportive, structured setting.

Intro to PF (MS - Part 2)

Refine persuasive speaking skills and begin engaging in full structured debate rounds with guided coaching.

Semester

Most Popular

Full semester course (12-15 weeks)

$950

Intro to PF (MS)

Learn to present, defend, and refine structured persuasive arguments in competitive debate rounds.

Middle School JV

Refine strategic reasoning, persuasive delivery, and on-your-feet thinking through advanced structured practice.

Middle School Varsity - First year

Elevate analytical precision, research depth, and speaking authority through high-level debate training.

Middle School Varsity - Second Year

Develop layered strategy, advanced preparation systems, and strong analytical control in rigorous competitive settings.

Minimester 1 & 2

Condensed semesters (6-7 weeks)

$550

Intro to PF (MS - Part 1)

Learn the fundamentals of structured debate, including how to build clear arguments, organize evidence, and present ideas with confidence.

Intro to PF (MS - Part 2)

Refine argument structure, strengthen rebuttal skills, and compete in full structured debate rounds with guided coaching and feedback.

Semester

Most Popular

Full semester course (12-15 weeks)

$950

Intro to PF (HS)

Learn to present, defend, and refine persuasive arguments in structured debate rounds.

HS JV

Refine strategic reasoning, persuasive delivery, and on-your-feet thinking with advanced practice.

HS Varsity First Year

Elevate precision, research depth, and speaking authority through complex, high-level debate work.

HS Varsity Second Year

Develop layered strategy, advanced preparation and advanced analytical control in rigorous debate settings.

HS TOC

Operate at the highest level of technical and strategic debate performance.

Minimester 1 & 2

Condensed semesters (6-7 weeks)

$550

Intro to PF (HS)

Learn to present, defend, and refine persuasive, structured arguments in a condensed module.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the structure of a typical class?

Our classes are built around three core areas: public speaking, structured argumentation, and critical thinking. Students regularly present on new topics, learn how to build and defend arguments with research, and strengthen their reasoning through logic and philosophy. By revisiting these skills throughout the semester, students grow more confident in expressing their ideas, more organized in their thinking, and more thoughtful in how they engage with complex issues.

What skills can I expect to gain?

Students develop confident public speaking, structured critical thinking, and the ability to build and defend arguments with evidence. They learn how to research effectively, write persuasive cases, respond to opposing viewpoints, and think on their feet. Beyond debate, students gain clarity of expression, logical organization, active listening skills, and the confidence to articulate their ideas in academic and real-world settings.

Are classes online or in-person?

All NSD Classes are held online.

Can we try a class before registering?

Yes! We offer free trial classes so families can get a sense of what our classes are like prior to enrolling. You can register for a free trial class here.

Do you offer refunds?

Yes, we offer a full refund following the first class if you choose not to continue. To qualify, you must submit your refund request at least 24 hours prior to your second scheduled class. After that point, tuition is fully committed and non-refundable.

What format of debate does NSD Classes use for classes and competition?

The classes use Public Forum (PF) Debate. Click here to learn more about PF debate, which is a two-versus-two style of debate focusing on current events, research, and critical thinking. It is the most popular and largest competitive debate event in North America.

What topics do students debate?

Topics are set by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) and change every 1-2 months of the debate season. You can view recent topics on our blog. Topics cover domestic and international economics, international relations, and moral issues.

What do the level designations mean?

5th / 6th Graders (New): Intro to Debate
7th / 8th Graders (New): Option to choose between Intro to Debate and Intro to Public Forum.
Experienced: Complete our evaluation form for your class recommendation!

Students move through levels each year as they progress. For example, after having taken Middle or High School JV for two semesters, they would move up to the Varsity class.

My child has done debate at school or another program. Can they start at a higher level?

Yes, prior experience can often change a student's course recommendation. Please reach out to us at classes@nsdebatecamp.com to get more direct guidance on which course to register for if your student has prior experience.

Who teaches the classes?

We are proud to have an elite faculty of college graduates who were former champion debaters, coaches, and teachers instructing our classes. Please visit our faculty page to learn more!