A Community for Students of ALL Ages (10-17)
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
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
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
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
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."
"It was a great camp for me and it was my first time away from home."
"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."
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.
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)
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)
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 ASSESSMENTGive them the advantage of starting at the perfect age