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EVERY STUDENT FINDS
THEIR PERFECT FIT

At Capitol Debate, we welcome students of all ages (11-17)* and all experience levels. Our age-appropriate groupings and personalized instruction ensure every student receives the perfect balance of challenge and support, whether they're just starting out or already competing in tournaments.



*Except Yale: Ages 13-17

A Community for Students of ALL Ages (11-17)

At Capitol Debate, each student is carefully placed with peers of similar ages and development stages, ensuring the perfect learning environment.

Ages 11-14

Middle School Students

Middle School Students at Capitol Debate

Building confidence and foundational skills in our youngest debaters

  • Age-appropriate topics and examples
  • Extra support for first-time overnight campers
  • Focus on confidence-building fundamentals
Ages 14-17

High School Students

High School Students at Capitol Debate

Challenging our older students with advanced concepts and techniques

  • College-level speaking techniques
  • Leadership opportunities within the program
  • Application-enhancing skills development
Expert Staff

Expert, Adaptable Instructors

Capitol Debate instructors

Our instructors adapt their approach to different age groups

  • Experienced teachers, never college students
  • Masters of age-appropriate teaching
  • Personalized coaching for each student
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY

Our expert coaches will assess your child's current abilities and create a personalized development plan

The Critical Years: Why Ages 11-14 Are The Perfect Time To Start

Just like music and sports, communication skills develop best when started early. These foundational years shape your child's future success.

The Window of Opportunity

Research shows ages 11-14 are when critical neural pathways for communication form

Age 8-10
Concrete thinking
Age 11-14
Abstract reasoning develops
OPTIMAL WINDOW
Age 14+
Patterns harder to change

Critical Brain Development

Ages 11-14 mark the transition to abstract thinking - the perfect time to introduce structured argumentation and critical analysis.

90% of neural pathways for complex reasoning are formed by age 13

AI-Proof Their Future

In an AI world, face-to-face communication and persuasion skills are becoming the most valuable career assets.

83% of CEOs rank communication as the most essential skill for future leaders

Years of Advantage

Starting early gives your child a competitive edge through compounding skills development that continues through high school.

4-5x greater communication proficiency by high school compared to late starters

Students Who Started Young

Haley J.

Harvard Graduate,
Started at 10
Shy, reluctant speaker
5+ years with Capitol
Harvard graduate and Inventor.

Meera R.

Yale & Londan School of Economics
Started at 10
First Capitol summer
7 years with Capitol
Yale & London School of Economics

Michael K.

National Champion & MD
Started at 11
Nervous public speaker
7 years with Capitol
MD from Dartmouth

Don't Worry About Being Away From Home

Our residential staff creates a supportive, nurturing environment for students staying away from home for the first time. With structured activities, 24/7 supervision, and a focus on building community, even the most homesick students quickly feel at ease.

"Capitol Debate was only the second time I had ever been away from home and I was very apprehensive at first. However I immediately felt at home as soon as I stepped through my dorm room and that feeling continued throughout my entire two week stay."

— Irene Kwon, 13 years old at UNC Chapel Hill

"It was a great camp for me and it was my first time away from home."

— Joshua Green, 11 years old at Georgia Tech

"I don't do very well away from home. I was very skeptical about coming to camp yet I am a returning camper. This camp is just amazing. I learned so so much. My instructor this year was so amazing."

— Jagger Helfand, 13 years old at Babson College

Don't Miss Their Critical Development Window

Early registration closes in:

14
Days
23
Hours
59
Minutes
59
Seconds
START YOUR CHILD'S JOURNEY TODAY

Give them the advantage of starting at the perfect age

High School Students: It's Not Too Late to Start

Even for older students, debate skills provide an immediate competitive edge for college applications and future careers.

Student in debate competition

College Application Edge

Stand out in a sea of similar GPAs and test scores with proven communication skills that make recommendation letters shine.

Higher standardized test scores
Improved academic performance
Stand out from other applicants
Stronger recommendation letters
College Admissions Advantage Admissions officers actively seek students with debate experience (Carter, 2017)
Student leader presenting

Leadership Fast-Track & Interview Skills

Develop the confidence and articulation that puts students in leadership positions and improves performance in college interviews.

Increased confidence in high-pressure situations
Articulation of complex ideas clearly
Critical thinking under pressure
Leadership skills that colleges seek
Interview Excellence Students excel in interviews and handle pressure effectively (Henderson, 2018)
Students collaborating

Career Preparation

In an AI-dominated future, the ability to persuade, present, and connect face-to-face will be the most valuable career skill.

Persuasion and negotiation abilities
Ability to think quickly on your feet
Public speaking confidence
Critical thinking and analysis
Essential Career Skill Employers rank communication among the most critical skills (Brown & Collins, 2016)

Quick Progress Timeline

Week 1
Core skills development and confidence building
Month 3
Tournament readiness and advanced techniques
Year 1
Leadership positions and college application material

Don't Wait Another Semester

College applications are approaching and communication skills take time to develop.

SCHEDULE YOUR HIGH SCHOOLER'S ASSESSMENT

Give them the advantage of starting at the perfect age