• Elementary (G4–G5): public speaking competition skills.
  • Middle (G6–G8): speaking and debate, building a record.
  • High (G9–G11): tournament results through repeated live practice.

35 weeks, at least 4 competitions. Beginners start with the Speech & Debate intro workshop.

Spring includes two tournament entries and coaching. Beginners start with the non-competitive intro; for a lighter setting, see the Voicemakers Club.

How to start

Start with a placement assessment. We use it to set the level and class, then confirm the year plan with the family. For schedules, tuition, and bundle offers, request the 2026-27 program guide through the form below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grade can Irvine students start in?

Grade 4. The elementary section (G4-G5) focuses on competitive public speaking skills, the middle section (G6-G8) develops speaking and debate together while building a record, and the high school section (G9-G11) converts classroom ability into tournament results. The year runs 35 weeks with at least four competitions.

Can an Irvine beginner join the competition class?

We do not recommend it; the class assumes basic training in expression and reasoning. Beginners should take the Speech & Debate intro workshop first, and students who want a lighter setting to practice speaking can join the Voicemakers Club.

Speech or debate, or both?

Speech trains the structure and delivery of one-way presentation; debate trains real-time response and the use of evidence. The underlying skills overlap, which is why the middle school section develops both. Younger students usually gain confidence faster starting with speech, then choose an event focus in high school.

How many tournaments a year?

At least four. The spring term includes two tournament entries and coaching fees, and entries for the remaining events are confirmed with families at the start of the term. Frequency is adjusted to the section and the student, and the number of entries is not itself the goal.

How do Irvine students reach NSDA Nationals?

Only students enrolled at a National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) member school may compete. Before district qualifiers, a student must join the honor society and accumulate at least 25 points, and the great majority of national places come through the student's own district qualifier. Irvine students should first confirm with their own school whether it is an NSDA member and how its team registers. The season opens with fall invitationals and runs district qualifiers through winter and spring.

What are debate results worth in a University of California application?

Tournament placements and honor society degrees are verifiable records. Honors and activities on the University of California (UC) application are self-reported, so placements and degrees belong in the honors section, while training and team leadership go in the activity list. The competition structure is described in the competition library, and the wider plan in the college admissions services.