In-Person Debate Classes for 5th to 12th Graders

Join 500+ families for our most popular coaching program: after-school, in-person debate classes designed for all skill levels.

Join Us This Winter/Spring

Limited spots available

BDC Track Record

1,000+
Awards

10+
Years Experience

4,000+
Alumini

Our Track Record

4000+
Alumni

10+ yrs
Experience

1000+
Awards

In-Person Classes in Fort Lee, Glen Rock and Livingston

Over 500 students attend and participate every semester in our debate and public speaking classes held in Fort Lee, Glen Rock, and Livingston. Whether your child is new to debate or highly experienced, we offer a class that is suited to meet their needs. Small class sizes - no larger than twelve - allow our coaches to provide hands-on training that is unmatched by other debate programs.  

Classes are divided into three parts: public speaking, debate, and critical thinking. The public speaking portion of class trains students in the arts of persuasion and delivery, providing skills that carry over into other domains like school and leadership roles. The debate portion of class develops mastery in argument construction and research, while engaging students to learn more about the world and current events. Finally, classes hone students’ critical thinking skills with fun games like logic puzzles and trivia. Students leave class each week feeling empowered and intellectually curious.

Every week, students are expected to complete homework assignments that are then checked by coaches. This allows us to keep a record of student progress and track where they need the most assistance. Throughout each semester, parents are invited to meet with our leadership team to receive a report on their student’s progress.

Reserve Your Spot

BDC middle-schoolers participate in a classroom activity designed to spur critical thinking and team-work.

BDC middle-schoolers participate in a classroom activity designed to spur critical thinking and team-work.

BDC Class Structure

Maximum Class Size

Class Length

# of Classes Per Term

# Classes Per Semester

12

2 Hours

1 per week

13-17

View Class Catalog View Results

Academic Semester Class Pricing

Term Duration

Jan 7th - June 1st | 17 Weeks

# Hours of Classroom Instruction

34 Hours | 2 Hours/Week

Makeup Classes & Student Progress Conferences

Two Private Makeups and Conferences

Homework Checks

Complimentary Prep for Bergen Debate Semi-Annual Club Tournament

Join Us Spring '25

Previously Sold Out

*Sibling discount available

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

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

By participating in BDC's countless practice sessions, lessons with encouraging coaches, and public speaking exercises, I have not only made everlasting friendships with my fellow debate members, but it has also paved the way for who I am today. I would have never known my full potential without BDC's outstanding program.

Ella Kim

Level 2B Alum

Through countless sessions with coaches and many tournaments with BDC, I have been able to learn so many things about world relations and debate as a whole. Bergen Debate helped foster an environment that helped me not only grow as a debater but also as a person. I have met some of the smartest people I know through BDC. The coaches are some of the best teachers I have ever had. They have helped me grow in a myriad of ways and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge they have shared with me.

Stephen Tomeo

Level 2C Alum

“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 Parent

“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

BDC Alum

Additional Services

Students who have attended The Bergen Debate Club for at least a year are encouraged to join our travel team. Over the course of a debate season, members will compete at prestigious state and national level tournaments, such as Georgetown, Harvard, and the Tournament of Champions. The travel team is a way for students to put to the test what they are learning in class, as well as an opportunity to meet great friends.During the months we compete, coaches work hand in hand with members to conduct research, prepare arguments, and practice intensely. That is why year after year, our students and coaches continue to raise the bar, achieving victory at the largest and most difficult competitions.

A-Team is our most exclusive class, making it the crown jewel of Bergen Debate. If you are a high school student who is ambitious and hardworking, this is where you belong. Meetings occur up to four times per week where students will perfect cases and blocks, attend workshops on progressive debate, and practice debate with extensive feedback. When tournaments arrive, coaches are available for hands-on support. Between tournaments, members can access our exclusive newsletter curated on a weekly basis to include the most relevant current events and academic research on a given topic. Even more, members of this exclusive class will receive guidance throughout the college admissions process.

Our mission is to help students succeed both inside and outside of debate. To that end, we offer a High School and College application package. This is for anyone who is working to improve their interviewing skills and is in the process of applying to schools. Students who register will receive an initial consultation, hands-on coaching throughout the entire application process, and an opportunity to participate in a mock interview. These steps will maximize your students chance of being accepted to their dream school. Bergen Debate wants your application and interview to shine.

Everyone learns at their own pace and our coaching staff is fully committed to making sure that no student is left behind. That is why if students miss class, or feel lost, they can request additional instruction. This allows students to work privately with a coach who will tailor their lessons and activities to meet students’ individual needs. When attending a private class, students are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns that they would like addressed.

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?

The schedule can be viewed here!

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