Step 1
Book a Free Call
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. We learn about your child's grade level, confidence level, and goals in debate or public speaking.
Online Debate Classes for Kids & Teens
Live coaching via Zoom for students in Grades 4–12 — from complete beginners to competitive debaters
At a Glance
- Founded
- 2017, Vancouver, Canada
- Format
- Live online via Zoom
- Class size
- 8-12 students
- Ages
- Grades 4-12 and university students
- Pricing
- $30-50 CAD/hr (group classes)
- Formats taught
- CNDF, British Parliamentary, World Schools, Cross-Examination
- Notable result
- 100% World Scholar's Cup qualification rate since 2020
- Coaches
- 20+ coaches from UBC, SFU, and the Canadian National Team
Why Online Debate Classes Work
Online debate classes make high-level coaching accessible for families with busy schedules. Students can join from home, avoid commuting time, and still get a structured, live learning experience every week. For many families, this convenience is the reason students can stay consistent and improve faster.
Virtual debate classes also remove geography as a barrier. Instead of being limited to local programs, students can work with experienced coaches from top universities and competitive circuits. DSDC students join from across Canada and around the world, creating richer discussions and broader perspectives in every class.
Debate classes from home are fully interactive, not passive lectures. Students engage in Zoom breakout rooms, live practice debates, impromptu speaking drills, and real-time feedback. The classroom energy stays high because each session is designed for participation and performance, not just note-taking.
Flexible scheduling across multiple levels helps students start where they are and progress at the right pace. Whether your child is new to debate or already competing, our online debate classes offer a clear pathway to stronger confidence, communication, and critical thinking.
New to debate? See our beginner's guide. Serving students across Canada. Explore our World Scholar's Cup coaching.
How Our Online Debate Classes Work
Step 2
Get a Recommendation
We recommend the best class level and schedule for your child, from beginner-friendly foundations to advanced competitive training.
Step 3
Start Learning
Your child joins live Zoom sessions with expert coaching, consistent practice, and clear feedback that supports measurable weekly progress.
Every class is a 2-hour live session via Zoom with 8–12 students. Classes include a warm-up activity, a topical lesson, structured practice debates, and personalized written feedback from your coach. Students also receive homework assignments to reinforce skills between sessions, plus semester report cards so parents can track progress.
Online Debate Classes for Every Level
Novice (Grades 4–6)
An excellent starting point for younger scholars eager to develop public speaking and debate skills. Build confidence through the fundamentals of speech execution and foundational debate formats — even shy and introverted children thrive. Saturdays, 2 hours/week.
Junior (Grades 7–9)
Build competitive debate skills while accelerating academic growth. Coaches integrate challenging topics like International Relations, Law, Philosophy, and Economics into debate practice. Weekends, 2 hours/week.
Senior (Grades 10–12)
Rigorous practice in British Parliamentary, CNDF, and World Schools formats with advanced lectures on complex topics. 1–2x per week, 2 hours.
Advanced Competitive (Grades 10–12)
An elite program led by world-renowned university debaters for students deeply committed to competitive debate. Intensive drills, mock debates, and personalized coaching. 2x per week, 2 hours.
Public Speaking (Grades 4–9)
Comprehensive training in impromptu, persuasive, interpretive, and parliamentary formats. Designed to prepare students for BC speech provincials.
World Scholar's Cup (Grades 4–12)
Full WSC preparation with a 100% qualification rate since 2020 — from regionals to the Tournament of Champions at Yale.
Debate Formats We Teach
DSDC offers training across all major competitive debate formats, preparing students for tournaments at every level.
World Schools Debate
Team-based format emphasizing argument structure, strategy, and persuasive delivery.
British Parliamentary (BP)
University-style format focused on quick analysis, rebuttal, and comparative framing.
Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF)
Structured Canadian format that builds clarity, evidence use, and refutation skills.
Cross-Examination (CX)
High-intensity debate format featuring direct questioning, case construction, and defense.
Impromptu & Persuasive Speaking
Speech formats that train confident thinking on your feet and audience-focused messaging.
Interpretive Speaking
Performance-based speaking that develops expression, storytelling, and stage presence.
Learn from Award-Winning Debate Coaches
DSDC's coaching team includes award-winning debaters from top universities worldwide, including competitors at the World University Debating Championships, Canadian National Championships, and US National Championships. Every coach is dedicated to providing individualized attention and personalized feedback every single class.
Our coaches don't just teach — they mentor. Students have the opportunity to grow into leadership roles themselves, volunteering at tournaments and advancing to teaching positions that build standout university applications.
Proven Results at Top Tournaments Worldwide
Canadian National Debate Championships
US National Debate Championships
World Scholar's Cup — Tournament of Champions at Yale
Stanford Invitational
Princeton Invitational
Oxford Schools Championships
BC Provincial Championships
And others
1,000+ Students Coached · 7+ Years of Experience · 100% WSC Qualification Rate · 20+ Expert Coaches
What Our Students Say About DSDC's Online Classes
“DSDC has been my home for debate ever since I started three years ago. Under the guidance of Tim, Archie, and Rebecca, I've seen myself visibly improve in confidence and critical thinking. The lessons on social issues have helped broaden my horizons tremendously.”
Angela M.
Student, Grade 8
“The coaches always provide thoughtful feedback and put real effort into developing lessons with student growth in mind. The skills I've developed have been invaluable for school presentations, writing, and logical reasoning.”
Ryland C.
Student, Grade 9
“The environment at DSDC is simply wonderful. The teachers are supportive of every individual student and are passionate about developing young minds. You would not believe how much I've learned over the years.”
Daniel W.
Student, Grade 9
Online Debate Class Pricing
Group classes range from $30–50/hr plus applicable taxes depending on program. All group classes are 2 hours each. Private coaching is customizable with a 1-hour minimum.
View Full PricingFrequently Asked Questions About Online Debate Classes
What ages and grades do you teach?+
We offer classes for students in Grades 4 through 12, with programs tailored to each age group — Novice (Grades 4–6), Junior (Grades 7–9), Senior (Grades 10–12), and Advanced Competitive (Grades 10–12).
Does my child need prior debate experience?+
Not at all. Our Novice program is designed for complete beginners. Even shy and introverted children thrive in our supportive environment.
How are online classes conducted?+
All classes are live via Zoom. Each 2-hour session includes warm-up activities, a topical lesson, practice debates, and personalized written feedback from your coach.
What makes DSDC different from other online debate programs?+
We combine expert coaching from top university debaters, small class sizes of 8–12 students, personalized feedback every session, and semester report cards. Our students compete and win at national and international tournaments.
Can my child try a class before committing?+
Yes! Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll help find the right class. Trial classes may be available depending on the program.
Do you offer private coaching?+
Yes. Private coaching is customizable with a 1-hour minimum. Contact us for details.
Ready to Get Started?
Join over 1,000 students who have built confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills through DSDC's online debate classes.
education@dsdc.ca