Bergen Debate Club (BDC) is one of the most accomplished debate academies in the United States, having served over 4,000 students through in-person programs in Glen Rock, Fort Lee, Livingston, and online. Our coaching staff—comprised of 35+ dedicated instructors—features national champions, multi-diamond coaches, and experienced educators who have collectively coached and competed at the highest levels. With over 200 years of combined coaching and debate experience, BDC coaches have led teams to championships at nearly every major national tournament and mentored students who have earned top national rankings. Many have served as program directors, team captains, and curriculum developers at elite institutions, with leadership experience reaching the highest levels of the debate community—including NSDA District and Public Forum Wording Committee Chairs. Our students benefit from this wealth of expertise, consistently excelling in competition while building essential skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking.

Bergen Debate Club’s students have won and placed in elimination rounds at the most prestigious national tournaments, including the National Debate Coaches Association (NDCA) National Championship, Harvard, Stanford, and Georgetown Spring tournaments, along with multiple qualifications to NSDA Nationals. BDC debaters have also secured Top Speaker awards at NSDA Nationals, the Tournament of Champions, and the Digital TOC, and have consistently ranked among the top competitors in the country. With a history of success, BDC continues to cultivate the next generation of elite debaters, empowering students to compete at the highest levels while developing lifelong communication and analytical skills.