Launching in Westchester County this Summer!

Speak Clearly

Think Critically

Lead with Confidence

Bergen Debate offers beginner-friendly debate and public speaking programs that help students build confidence, think critically, and express ideas clearly. Catered programs are available for experienced debaters as well.

BDC Track Record

1,000+
Awards

10+
Years Experience

4,000+
Alumni

BDC Track Record

1000+
Awards

10+ years
Experience

4000+
Alumni

Recent College Admissions of BDC Alumni

View of White Plains skyline with historic domed courthouse and surrounding buildings in Westchester County.

Now Expanding to Your Area

Bergen Debate Brings In-Person Classes to White Plains

After years of success in Bergen County, we’re excited to bring our debate and public speaking programs to White Plains and the greater Westchester community.

Bergen Debate is designed to meet students where they are — whether they’re looking to build confidence speaking in front of others, engage more deeply with ideas, or pursue debate at a competitive level.

Students Trained

Proven Coaching Methodology

Of Teaching Excellence

College Grads, Former Champions

Why Choose Us

More Than Just Debate

Our programs emphasize practical communication, thinking, and research skills students use in school, college admission, activities, and everyday life.

Our Programs

Programs at a Glance

Registration open now!

Public Speaking

Learn to express ideas clearly and speak with confidence in front of any audience.

Critical Thinking

Develop skills to analyze arguments, form opinions, and think on your feet.

Confidence Building

Gain the self-assurance to share your voice and engage in meaningful discussions.

Beginner Friendly

Our programs welcome students with zero debate experience — we start from the basics.

2 hour, in-person afterschool debate classes Tues-Sun to build skills progressively during the school year. For new and experienced students.

A variety of fun-filled programs to jumpstart your child's debate journey during summer break. Sessions for curious students, beginners, and experienced debaters!

Try a class before committing — experience our teaching style and see if it's right for your child.

BDC Class Structure

Our classes are designed to feel engaging and supportive — not intimidating or lecture-based. Each session is designed to be engaging, supportive, and skill-focused. Students learn through interactive exercises, practice rounds, and personalized feedback from experienced instructors.

Maximum Class Size

12 students

Small class sizes ensure each student receives proper care and attention.

Class Length

2 hours

Small class sizes ensure each student receives proper care and attention.

Typical Class Structure

120-Minute Sessions

20m

Fun speaking exercises that change every week

90m

Learn argument structures, debate topics, and more

10m

Engaging games that promote abstract thinking

# of Classes Per Term

13-17

Classes are designed to follow local school calendars. Their number will vary by semester.

Class Frequency

1 per week

Students meet weekly and receive ongoing asynchronous feedback, ensuring consistent instruction and meaningful engagement with our teaching team.

Is This the Right Fit for Your Child?

Families join Bergen Debate for many different reasons. Our programs are a strong fit for students who are looking to grow in any of the following ways and more

Building Confidence

Wants to feel more comfortable speaking in front of others, sharing ideas out loud, and participating confidently in class or group settings.

Enjoying Discussion

Likes exploring ideas, asking questions, and thinking critically about topics - whether in current events, school subjects, or everyday conversations.

Organizing Thoughts

Wants support learning how to structure ideas clearly, explain reasoning, and communicate more effectively.

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Creative Collaborator

Enjoys sharing original ideas, listening to peers, and working in supportive environments of creativity and dialogue.

Curious About Debate

Is interested in debate or public speaking but has little or no prior experience -- and wants a beginner-friendly place to start.

Ready to Compete

Already has debate experience and wants to sharpen skills, deepen strategic thinking, and compete at the highest levels.

Not sure? We're happy to help you decide.

Bergen debate student in the classroom doing an exercise

What Families Are Saying

Don't just take our word for it — hear from parents and students who've experienced the Bergen Debate difference.

“BDC has brought so many wonderful memories into our home. It seems like it was just yesterday that Stephen and Isabella attended their first class. I remember their very first debate tournament and I’m amazed at how far they have both come. Debate has taught them so many lifelong skills. BDC is there to help you every step of the way, whether it’s for the weekly classes or tournaments. There’s really no place like BDC!”

Christina Tomeo

“BDC has fostered my love for debate and a skill set I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Before joining this program, I struggled with argumentative skills, but after rigorous training and tournaments, I believe I am a much better debater and person." 

Amelia Liu

“I first started at BDC a few years back as a young, shy speaker, but since then, I have learned so many important things about debate through classes and competition. Now, I have been able to utilize public speaking and logic to persuade others, and the skills I have developed have been very helpful in many places outside of debate as well. The coaches are also highly qualified and helpful. I definitely recommend!”

Suvid Bordia

"Through many tournaments and prep sessions, one of the best parts of being at BDC is being able to work and practice with peers and coaches. No matter what, everyone helps each other and wants the team to succeed. My favorite memory was participating in the Harvard Tournament in person.  Being with like minded people who care about the same things is what makes BDC a welcoming and supportive community to all."

Isabella Tomeo

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Refund Policy
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Our policy on refunds is dependent on the timing of cancellations. You will see a copy of our policy below, and you will also see and agree to this policy as part of the registration process. We make significant advance commitments to our faculty and our college/university hosts in order to provide an excellent experience for our students. Accordingly, we need to depend on the assumption that registrations will translate into our true headcount for students at sessions. Of course, we never like to see a student not receiving value for their registration. If scheduling concerns arise after reserving your spot at an NSD camp, we are happy to assist students in transferring to other sessions over the summer and/or to finding alternative summer debate education options, such as tutoring or online sessions.

1. 30% of your total required payment is a non-refundable deposit. This deposit cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
2. After February 1st, any cancellation will require that 45% of your total required payment is non-refundable. Any outstanding balance is still required to be paid.
3. After March 1st, any cancellation will require that 60% of your total required payment is non-refundable. Any outstanding balance is still required to be paid.
4. After April 1st, any cancellation will require that 75% of your total required payment is non-refundable. Any outstanding balance is still required to be paid.
5. After May 1st, any cancellation will require that your total required payment is wholly non-refundable. After May 1st, no refunds of any amount will be given. Any outstanding balance is still required to be paid.

What does the Price Cover?
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Where Students Stay
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Student Supervision and Safety
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Medication & Health Needs
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Dining
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