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.

Our policy on refunds is dependent on the timing of withdrawal requests. Bergen Debate makes significant advance commitments to faculty, curriculum planning, and facility scheduling in order to provide an excellent educational experience for our students. Accordingly, we depend on the assumption that registrations reflect confirmed participation.

That said, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Our refund and credit policy is designed to be both fair to families and consistent with the operational commitments we make each term.

1. Non-Refundable Deposit
A portion of every registration payment is a non-refundable deposit that secures the student’s spot in the program. This deposit is applied toward total tuition but cannot be refunded under any circumstances, as it covers administrative processing, staffing commitments, and the reservation of limited class capacity.

2. Prorated Refund or Credit — Before 3rd Class
‍Families who request withdrawal before the time/date of the student’s 3rd class are eligible for a prorated refund of tuition (minus the non-refundable deposit) or, if preferred, a prorated class credit applicable to future Bergen Debate programs or products within 12 months. Eligibility for this refund or credit is contingent upon the student not attending any subsequent classes after the withdrawal request.

3. Prorated Credit Only — Between 3rd and 5th Class
‍After the time/date of the student’s 3rd class but before the time/date of the 5th class, families may request a prorated credit for remaining sessions. This credit may be applied toward future Bergen Debate programs or products within 12 months.No cash refunds will be issued under this tier, and requests must be submitted before the student’s 5th class.

4. No Refunds or Credits — After 5th Class
Once the time/date of a student’s 5th class has passed, no refunds or credits of any kind will be issued. At that point, all tuition payments are fully non-refundable.

5. Transfers and Substitutions
When possible, Bergen Debate will make reasonable efforts to assist families in transferring registration to another class, session, or format (such as online programming or private coaching) to ensure students receive full value from their tuition.

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.

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.

At most 12 students unless noted otherwise for partnership purposes.

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.

Please visit our coaches page to learn more about them!

The schedule can be viewed here!

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.

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.

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.

Fort Lee: 440 West Street (Third Floor) | Glen Rock: 66 Glen Ave (Lower level) | Livingston: 4215 Town Center Way (Suite 7C, 2nd Floor)