Debate introduces students to competitive speaking, analytic thinking, the basics of argumentation, and research. Students learn about the various types of debate and eventually specialize in one or more areas, typically either Public Forum (about current events) or Policy Debate (about big-picture policy issues). Students can also compete in Oratory, Parliamentary, Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation, and Domestic or Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking.

College Prep is consistently recognized as one of the top debate programs in the country and has earned a Schools of Excellence award from the National Speech & Debate Association. In addition to the program’s success on the national stage, debate is prized for the camaraderie born of long weekends of competition and late nights in the library, the rush that comes from mastering a difficult challenge, the self-confidence developed through testing oneself, and the humility learned in listening to others.