In a digital era where anyone can launch a website announcing a new summer debate camp, Capitol Debate stands out not just as a pioneer, but as a beacon of true expertise and sustained leadership. With over 18 years of dedicated experience, we rise above fleeting trends, with unwavering commitment that extends far beyond seasonal programs.
Established expertise versus startup programs
Full-time commitment, not just a seasonal program
Expert teachers, not college students
Parent Selection Advice: When choosing a debate camp, examine the history, leadership, and instructor qualifications. This is where Capitol Debate truly shines, offering a depth of experience and quality that sets us apart.
Choose Capitol Debate. Choose excellence. Choose a future built on confidence and leadership.
For over 18 years, Capitol Debate has been the launchpad for thousands of students who have walked through our doors and soared to prestigious heights. Our alumni embody success, with acceptances and degrees from every Ivy League institution, including luminaries like Stanford, and Yale, as well as other renowned universities across the nation.
Our alumni attend top universities worldwide
Alumni excel in graduate and professional programs
Alumni excel in competitive career fields
At Capitol Debate, we believe that true success in life extends far beyond mastering debate techniques. We are dedicated to fostering a holistic learning experience that cultivates soft skills for success such as confidence, strong character, collaborative spirits, and effective conflict resolution skills. This goes beyond simply equipping your child with a toolbox of debate tricks; it empowers them to become influential leaders capable of making a positive impact for themselves and their communities.
Developing self-assurance that extends far beyond the debate stage
Cultivating ethical reasoning and personal integrity
Learning to lead through cooperation, not just competition
"In a world moving at the speed of information and bias, Capitol Debate gives students the skills they need to think clearly, argue with precision, and listen with respect."
Many specialized debate camps fall short in their approach, focusing solely on preparing students for specific debate formats and competitive events. This narrow focus neglects a crucial aspect of communication: practical application in real-world scenarios. At Capitol Debate, we believe in empowering our students with skills that go far beyond the realm of formal debate competitions.
Preparing students for life beyond tournaments
Building complete communicators, not just debaters
Investing in long-term communication excellence
"At Capitol Debate, we understand that preparing students for success extends far beyond the confines of competitive debate. We focus on developing well-rounded individuals with the communication skills, character, and leadership qualities needed to thrive in any situation. When you choose Capitol Debate, you're investing in your child's future, not just their ability to win debates."
At Capitol Debate, every class is guided by a Senior Instructor with extensive experience in both classroom teaching and competitive debate. These educators bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge in classroom management, tailored instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and exceptional skills in student engagement. Their seasoned approach ensures that complex debate techniques are communicated effectively, fostering skill development and nurturing confidence in every student.
How our expert educators outperform other debate camps
Be cautious of debate camps relying on college students for instruction. While enthusiastic, these individuals often lack the seasoned teaching expertise found in professional educators. Capitol Debate's commitment to quality education means your child learns from experienced teachers from middle, high school, or college environments, not just enthusiastic amateurs. This difference is critical for a comprehensive, effective learning experience that goes beyond basic debate skills.
Real experiences with Capitol Debate's professional teaching staff
At Capitol Debate, our commitment transcends the typical boundaries of seasonal camps. We are a year-round institution, fueled by a team that's fully dedicated to the art of public speaking and debate. Every day, we eat, sleep, and breathe this craft, channeling our passion into creating the most enriching and unparalleled debate education experience.
Constantly evolving and improving our educational approach
Unlike seasonal camps with temporary instructors
Never resting on past achievements
Unlike college camps or other summer programs that operate on a temporary basis, our staff's full-time, year-round dedication distinctly sets us apart. This unwavering commitment to excellence is the cornerstone of our ethos and a clear testament to our mission: to provide the absolute best experience for our students, every single day of the year.
At Capitol Debate, we recognize that each child's experience in public speaking and debate is distinct. Rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all model, our full-time dedication enables us to customize our debate camp experience to align precisely with each child's needs and abilities. From the outset, we engage in thorough assessments to gauge your child's existing skills and identify areas for potential enhancement.
How we create a truly customized experience for every student
We begin by thoroughly evaluating each student's speaking abilities, debate knowledge, confidence level, and learning style through a combination of observation and guided activities.
Based on the assessment, we create a personalized roadmap that prioritizes areas for improvement while building on existing strengths, setting specific objectives for the camp duration.
Our instructors continuously adjust teaching methods and pace to match each student's progress, offering more challenge or support as needed throughout the program.
Rather than waiting until the end, we provide ongoing feedback and make real-time adjustments to ensure your child is always operating in their optimal learning zone.
Students advance faster when instruction is tailored to their specific needs rather than following a generic curriculum.
Personalized learning keeps students motivated by ensuring activities are appropriately challenging and relevant.
Individualized approaches create stronger neural pathways, leading to better retention and application of skills.
Our team is committed to continuous evaluation, ensuring that every phase of the summer debate camp is designed to elevate your child's abilities in debate and public speaking. Effective communication within our team is crucial. We guarantee smooth transitions between instructors, ensuring that every team member is well-informed about the specific focus areas for your child. This collaborative approach guarantees that your child benefits from ongoing, individualized attention and instruction.
Opting for Capitol Debate means choosing a debate camp that molds to fit your child, fostering their skills and building their confidence in a manner that is uniquely suited to them. At our debate camp, the route to excellence is as individual as each child we mentor.
At Capitol Debate, we believe that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination. We don't just teach public speaking and debate skills; we are unrelenting in our commitment to refining our approach and improving the resources we offer. This means that our instructors are constantly undergoing rigorous training and development, ensuring they master the latest teaching practices and communication techniques.
How we stay at the leading edge of debate education
We leverage cutting-edge AI technology to provide your child with immediate, personalized feedback on their speeches, allowing them to identify areas for improvement with unprecedented clarity.
Our curriculum is constantly informed by the latest educational research and best practices in communication development, ensuring students learn using methods proven to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Today's students are digital natives, which is why we've developed engaging digital learning materials that connect with how today's students absorb and process information.
Our instructors undergo regular training and development to ensure they stay at the forefront of teaching methodologies and debate techniques, constantly pushing their own boundaries to become even better.
When you choose Capitol Debate, you can rest assured that your child will be exposed to the most effective teaching methods available, delivered by passionate and dedicated instructors who are constantly pushing their own boundaries to become even better. This unwavering commitment to learning and growth is what sets Capitol Debate apart and makes us the clear choice for parents who want their children to develop the best communication skills possible.
Air Force Reserve officer pursuing a Master's in Criminal Justice. Previously studied at University of Maryland with a focus on French and Criminal Justice.
Princeton graduate passionate about data-driven solutions to pressing problems. Former AmeriCorps VISTA Research Coordinator with focus on economic development.
Wharton graduate with experience in credit risk analysis at Goldman Sachs. Previously served as a Teaching Assistant for Negotiations and Conflict Resolution.
Former Capitol Debate instructor now pursuing law at Vanderbilt. Previously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice as a Paralegal Specialist.
NYU Law graduate with magna cum laude honors, now serving as a Law Clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Former Capitol Debate coach with 5+ years experience. Research background in computational neuroscience at University of Chicago and Cambridge.
Cambridge and Stanford graduate who hosts the Madison's Notes political theory podcast with over 17k monthly listeners in over 130 countries.
Former Capitol Debate instructor now working as a financial analyst at Barclays. Successfully passed the CFA Program Level I exam.
Columbia Nursing graduate working at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Pediatric Oncology, combining her passion for helping children and healthcare.
Stanford Law graduate specializing in Appellate & Supreme Court Practice with previous experience as a Judicial Law Clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Finance professional with experience in investment banking at Perella Weinberg Partners and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, focusing on M&A and equity markets.
Finance professional with experience in private equity at Warburg Pincus LLC, specializing in education technology and industrial technology investments.
Select from our prestigious universities nationwide
New Haven, CT
July 12 - July 23, 2026
Explore our elite university locations to prepare for your upcoming summer. With many locations filling quickly each year, identifying your top choices early will help us tailor the perfect Capitol Debate program for your child's transformative journey.
Experience debate in New England and the Northeast
New Haven, CT
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Madison, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Lawrenceville, NJ
Lawrenceville, NJ
Debate at prestigious institutions in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Villanova, PA
Washington, DC
Develop your debate skills in the Southeast United States
Chapel Hill, NC
Develop your debate skills at premier West Coast institutions
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Seattle, WA
Can't attend in person? Join our exceptional debate programs from anywhere in the world. Our virtual debate camps deliver the same quality instruction, interactive workshops, and engaging experiences that make Capitol Debate the leader in debate education.