Based on results and reviews

#1-Rated Debate Academy

Public speaking, debate and critical thinking classes for 5th to 12th grade students in New Jersey

What Makes Bergen Debate Club The #1 Debate Club

World-Class Teachers

Bergen Debate Club's coaching team includes highly skilled educators, renowned private instructors, and top-performing former debaters, providing unmatched expertise and insight.

Life-long Skills

Our curriculum is tailored to impart skills that last a lifetime. Students learn to argue effectively, speak clearly and confidently, and excel at academic research and writing.

Unparalleled Results

Bergen Debate Club students have received over 1,000 speaking awards and top-ranked finishes at tournaments around the United States. Our results speak for themselves.

Designed for all skill levels

Whether your child is a 5th grader who is brand new to debate or a high schooler who is a seasoned veteran, our classes are tailored to meet them at their skill level.  

BDC Track Record

1,000+
Awards

10+
Years Experience

4,000+
Alumini

Our Track Record

4000+
Alumni

10+ yrs
Experience

1000+
Awards

BDC Alumni Continue to Gain admission to top Colleges & High Schools

Lincoln-Douglas debate camp designed for champions

Lincoln-Douglas debate camp designed for champions

CRITICAL THINKING & PERSUASION SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

NSD Flagship's Lincoln-Douglas Debate faculty represents an elite group of championship coaches and former debaters from across the United States.

ENPOWERING STUDENTS WITH LIFELONG TOOLS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

With curriculum tracks designed for students of all levels, NSD Flagship is where students who aspire to national championship-level success train.

LEADERSHIP & PUBLIC SPEAKING ARE TAUGHT THROUGH DEBATE CLASSES

NSD Flagship's LD camp is renowned for providing a training ground to both rising stars and top ranked LD debaters across the United States.

PROVEN & CONSISTENT RESULTS AT NATIONAL DEBATE COMPETITIONS

We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention and interactive education for each NSD camper and ensure a 4:1 student to teacher ratio.

Elite Faculty

NSD Flagship's Lincoln-Douglas Debate faculty represents an elite group of championship coaches and former debaters from across the United States.

3-Week Bespoke Curriculum

With curriculum tracks designed for students of all levels, NSD Flagship is where students who aspire to national championship-level success train.

Where Champions Train

NSD Flagship's LD camp is renowned for providing a training ground to both rising stars and top ranked LD debaters across the United States.

4:1 Student to Instructor Ratio

We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention and interactive education for each NSD camper and ensure a 4:1 student to teacher ratio.

Over 4,000 happy families love sharing their love for BDC

“BDC has brought so many wonderful memories into our home. It seems like it was just yesterday that Stephen and Isabella attended their first class. I remember their very first debate tournament and I’m amazed at how far they have both come. Debate has taught them so many lifelong skills. BDC is there to help you every step of the way, whether it’s for the weekly classes or tournaments. There’s really no place like BDC!”

Christina Tomeo

“BDC has fostered my love for debate and a skill set I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Before joining this program, I struggled with argumentative skills, but after rigorous training and tournaments, I believe I am a much better debater and person." 

Amelia Liu

“I first started at BDC a few years back as a young, shy speaker, but since then, I have learned so many important things about debate through classes and competition. Now, I have been able to utilize public speaking and logic to persuade others, and the skills I have developed have been very helpful in many places outside of debate as well. The coaches are also highly qualified and helpful. I definitely recommend!”

Suvid Bordia

"Through many tournaments and prep sessions, one of the best parts of being at BDC is being able to work and practice with peers and coaches. No matter what, everyone helps each other and wants the team to succeed. My favorite memory was participating in the Harvard Tournament in person.  Being with like minded people who care about the same things is what makes BDC a welcoming and supportive community to all."

Isabella Tomeo

NOT JUST A DEBATE CLUB

Your child will not only learn how to become the best debater they can be — they will also gain valuable skills that will propel them forward in all areas of life. From confidence to persuasive speaking to being a thought leader, your child will become the best version of themself.

87%

increase in analytical skills, according to NSDA

90%

of debaters complete at least one graduate degree, according to NSDA

22%

higher chance of being accepted into a college, on average.

18%

higher reading test scores compared to honors students, on average.

3.75 GPA

is the average of students on a debate team.

25%

of debaters are either top ranking corporate executives or work in the executive and legislative branches of government.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of a typical class?
Each class is slightly different, but generally, the classes are 45 minutes of public speaking practice/drills, 1 hour of debate lecture/practice/activities, and 15 minutes of critical thinking games. Every few weeks we will have a full two hours of in-class debates.What do the level designations mean? All new students begin in Level 1A, 2A, or 3A. They move through the levels each semester as they progress. 1A & 1B are for 5th and 6th grade, 2A-2G are for 6th-8th grade, and 3A-3G are for 9th-12th grade. Each level presents new material, drills, and concepts.
My child has done debate at school or at another program. Can they jump into a higher level class?
Please register for Level 2B or 3B first, then schedule a placement interview. We only cover Public Forum debate—all other forms of debate will require students to start in Level 2A or 3A. We will move them to a more appropriate level afterwards. Registering for a class higher than 2B or 3B will result in an automatic registration hold.
When can I register?
Registration for the Fall is open from 3/20 to 8/30 & registration for the Winter/Spring is open from 10/20 to 1/03.
What is the size of a class?
At most 12 students unless noted otherwise for partnership purposes.
Do the levels impact whether my child can compete at tournaments?
Yes, all students must be in at least Level 2B or 3B to join the Travel Team. They must complete Level 1A, 1B, and/or 2A.
Who are coaches?
Please visit our coaches page to learn more about them!
When are the days off?
We are going to be out & miss class. Can we schedule a make up?
Yes, you have received an email entitled “Make Up Instructions & Information” — all the information is there. You can schedule at most one week in advance.
What is the Travel Team?
The Travel Team are students who compete at external national level tournaments. More specific information will be covered for Level 2A & 3A families every semester.
What is Level X?
This is the final level class we offer for high school students with more than 3+ years of experience. Students must be approved before registering for this class.
Where are you located?
Fort Lee: 440 West Street (Third Floor) | Glen Rock: 66 Glen Ave (Lower level) | Livingston: 4215 Town Center Way (Suite 7C, 2nd Floor)
How are the locations different?
The content is the same everywhere! Our coaches are taught uniformly & the coaches also rotate locations.

YOUR JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE BEGINS TODAY

In-person afterschool debate classes for 5th-12th students, summer camps, national travel team and private lessons