Spring 2024 Registration Is Open! Submit Your Spring 2024 Registration Today! Schedule a Phone Chat. Thank you!
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Elementary Speech and Debate
Grades: 3rd, 4th, 5th | Prerequisite: None
The Elementary Speech and Debate program is the perfect entry point for any elementary school student looking to explore the world of speech and debate. This program has quickly become one of our most popular offerings. The goal of this program is build early confidence in public speaking, create strong foundations, and expose students to an array of core speech and debate subjects. Students will learn logic, argumentation, communication, public speaking techniques, spontaneous speech, prepared speech, philosophy, persuasive writing, research skills, SPAR debate, Impromptu, Congress Debate, oratory, and more! All elementary students are welcome to participate in tournaments! Register here.
Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate
Prerequisite: One or more semesters of "Elementary Speech and Debate"
The Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate program is for those who have either done Elementary Speech and Debate (during the Fall/Spring), several weeks of Athens Summer, or significant prior experience. In this program, we take Elementary Debate to the next level. Students will learn advanced techniques in SPAR and Impromptu and also go beyond and learn Congressional Debate, team-debate formats, Original Oratory, Storytelling, and Declamation. We build on prior knowledge, apply advanced elementary techniques, and take things to the next level to set them up for more success! Register here.
Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate
Grade: Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th); Prerequisite: None
The Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate program is where debate begins for all Middle School students. This is where Athens started and our most popular program. Students learn everything from A to Z as it related to Middle School Speech and Debate. Students will learn Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, SPAR Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Impromptu, Oratory, and Declamation. Students are taught logic, argumentation, case writing, research, communication and public speaking, philosophy, fundamentals around policy, and so much more! All of this is presented in a fun, interactive, and highly nurturing way. All middle school students are welcome to participate in tournaments! Register here.
Experienced Speech and Debate
Prerequisite: One year of experience or more | Grades: Middle School and Up
Experienced Debate is for students who have either taken Beginner Debate or those with a year of prior experience. This program really takes things to the next level for students and exposes students to great depth around key speech and debate events. Students go much deeper into key debate events, as well as speech. Students will focus on Lincoln Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, SPAR, Impromptu, Oratory, and Declamation. Students will be able to specialize in events they want to compete in. Students are prepared very well for tournaments and are able to specialize in their select events. Register here.
High School Beginner Speech and Debate
Prerequisite: One year of experience or more | Grades: High School
The High School Beginner Speech and Debate program is where debate begins for all High School students. This course is for students new to high school speech and debate. Students will learn Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, SPAR Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Impromptu, Oratory, and Declamation. Students are taught logic, argumentation, case writing, research, communication and public speaking, philosophy, fundamentals around policy, and so much more! All of this is presented in a fun, interactive, and highly nurturing way. All high school students are welcome to participate in tournaments! Register here.
Advanced Speech and Debate
Prerequisite: Two years of experience or more
The Advanced Debate course is for students who are ready to dive into the most advanced caverns of debate. Advanced Debate students will have the opportunity to share prep materials, debate other top-tier students, work with a full slate of Athens instructors to engage in the most advanced curriculum and help each other reach the next level of competitive debate. The curriculum will center around advanced casing strategies, advanced refutation techniques, advanced philosophy, and the most rigorous set of content. Register here.
Advanced Speech and Debate
Prerequisite: Two years of experience or more
The Advanced Debate course is for students who are ready to dive into the most advanced caverns of debate. Advanced Debate students will have the opportunity to share prep materials, debate other top-tier students, work with a full slate of Athens instructors to engage in the most advanced curriculum and help each other reach the next level of competitive debate. The curriculum will center around advanced casing strategies, advanced refutation techniques, advanced philosophy, and the most rigorous set of content. Register here.
Advanced Lincoln Douglas (LD) Debate Lab
Prerequisite: Two years of experience or more; Or significant LD success
The Advanced Debate LD Debate Lab (AdLab) course is for students who are ready to dive into the most advanced caverns of LD debate. Students will learn: Advanced framework argumentation (value, value criterion), mastery of the contention model, how to defend and refute popular frameworks, advanced refutation, argument analysis of advanced cases, strategies that maximize persuasive appeal in front of parent judges, how to write strategic cases for traditional debates, how to give powerful rebuttal speeches, establishing and maintaining room presence, impact weighing, link weighing, answering extinction arguments, permutations, answering common "Kritiks", consequentialist frameworks, impact weighing abuse scenarios, conditionality, RVIs, topicality, PICs, spreading, debate strategy, critical debate, philosophical framework debate, theory debate, etc. Register here.
CLASS DETAILS:
Cost: $1,385 per semester (16 Total Weeks of Classes)
First Class of Spring Semester: January 27th, 2024
Last Class of Spring Semester: June 1st, 2024
Location Options: Cupertino-Saratoga-West San Jose | San Mateo-Foster City | Dublin-Pleasanton | Online/Virtual
Format Options: In-Person or Online. These are separate cohorts.
Registration Form: To register, click here.
What's Included:
Class Schedule: Spring 2024:
(January 27th to June 1st, 2024)
To register, click here.
First Class of Spring Semester: January 27th, 2024
Last Class of Spring Semester: June 1st, 2024
CUPERTINO - SARATOGA - WEST SAN JOSE LOCATION:
Saturday:
[A] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[B] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[C] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[D] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[E] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (High School Speech and Debate)
[F] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Advanced Debate)
Sunday:
[G] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[H] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[I] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[J] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[K] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Advanced Debate)
Wednesday:
[L] CUPERTINO: [Wednesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[M] CUPERTINO: [Wednesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
Thursday:
[N] CUPERTINO: [Thursday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
SAN MATEO - FOSTER CITY LOCATION:
Saturday:
[O] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[P] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (High School Speech and Debate)
[Q] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[R] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Advanced Debate)
[S] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[T] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary School Speech and Debate)
DUBLIN - PLESANTON LOCATION:
Saturday:
[U] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[V] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[WA] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[X] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
Sunday:
[Y] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[ZA] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[ZB] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (High School Speech and Debate)
ONLINE - VIRTUAL LOCATION:
Saturday:
[OA] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[OB] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[OC] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[OD] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[OE] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (High School Speech and Debate)
[OF] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Advanced Debate)
[ZZB] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Sunday] 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Advanced LD Debate Lab)
Tuesday:
[OH] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Tuesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
Thursday:
[OK] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Thursday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
Cost: $1,385 per semester (16 Total Weeks of Classes)
First Class of Spring Semester: January 27th, 2024
Last Class of Spring Semester: June 1st, 2024
Location Options: Cupertino-Saratoga-West San Jose | San Mateo-Foster City | Dublin-Pleasanton | Online/Virtual
Format Options: In-Person or Online. These are separate cohorts.
Registration Form: To register, click here.
What's Included:
- Main Class (2 Hours Per Week); and
- Supplemental Classes (Monday through Thursday); and
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions for Individualized Attention; and
- Extra Sessions Before Tournaments; and
- Access to Speciality Elective Classes
- Mentorship Program; and
- 24/7 Communications Platform for Students; and
- Online Learning Portal Filled with Video Lessons; and
- Elite Tournament Preparation and Tournament Coaching; and
- Comprehensive Feedback for Students
Class Schedule: Spring 2024:
(January 27th to June 1st, 2024)
To register, click here.
First Class of Spring Semester: January 27th, 2024
Last Class of Spring Semester: June 1st, 2024
CUPERTINO - SARATOGA - WEST SAN JOSE LOCATION:
Saturday:
[A] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[B] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[C] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[D] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[E] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (High School Speech and Debate)
[F] CUPERTINO: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Advanced Debate)
Sunday:
[G] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[H] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[I] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[J] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[K] CUPERTINO: [Sunday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Advanced Debate)
Wednesday:
[L] CUPERTINO: [Wednesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[M] CUPERTINO: [Wednesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
Thursday:
[N] CUPERTINO: [Thursday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
SAN MATEO - FOSTER CITY LOCATION:
Saturday:
[O] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[P] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11:00am (High School Speech and Debate)
[Q] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[R] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Advanced Debate)
[S] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary School Speech and Debate)
[T] SAN MATEO: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary School Speech and Debate)
DUBLIN - PLESANTON LOCATION:
Saturday:
[U] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[V] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[WA] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[X] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
Sunday:
[Y] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 9:00am to 11am (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[ZA] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[ZB] DUBLIN / PLEASANTON: [Sunday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (High School Speech and Debate)
ONLINE - VIRTUAL LOCATION:
Saturday:
[OA] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 9:00am to 11am (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)
[OB] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 11:30am to 1:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
[OC] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Elementary Speech and Debate)
[OD] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Advanced Elementary Speech and Debate)
[OE] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 5:30pm to 7:30pm (High School Speech and Debate)
[OF] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Saturday] 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Advanced Debate)
[ZZB] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Sunday] 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Advanced LD Debate Lab)
Tuesday:
[OH] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Tuesday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Experienced Speech and Debate)
Thursday:
[OK] ONLINE/VIRTUAL: [Thursday] 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Beginner Middle School Speech and Debate)