FAQ
VDA was founded by Connor and Vicky at 2016 summer
Vancouver Debate Academy (VDA) stands out with over 8 years of hands-on teaching experience and a skill-based curriculum. This means our students are trained to excel in various debate formats and competitions, not just limited to one. Whether it’s World Schools Debate, American Public Forum (PF), or other styles, our students are equipped to handle them all. In contrast, many other debate institutions focus on teaching only one specific debate format.
Our curriculum is meticulously crafted by our co-founder and debate director, both of whom have over 20 years of educational experience and hold teaching certifications. This ensures that our programs are not only effective but also grounded in educational expertise. On the other hand, many other debate schools rely on debaters to design their curriculum. While these debaters may excel in competitions, they often lack formal teaching qualifications, which can limit the depth and breadth of their instruction. At VDA, we prioritize comprehensive skill development to prepare students for long-term success in debates and beyond.
We recommend students start learning debate from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Our programs are tailored to fit different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that students develop strong foundational skills early on and continue to refine them throughout their school years.
Yes, students who are learning English as a second language (ESL/ELL) are welcome to join. While it may be challenging at first, many ESL students have made significant progress through our debate program. Our coaches are experienced in working with students from various language backgrounds and can help them build the necessary skills over time.