Explore expert insights and success stories that help your child build confidence, leadership, and a college-ready mindset



Sometimes, one speech can start an important conversation.
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Every extracurricular category in one place, plus a simple four-question test to find the one that's actually worth your teen's time.
READ MOREHalf of teens with speaking fear develop it by age 13. Here's what the research says actually helps — and it's not "just calm down."
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"Ivy League" started as a football conference, not an academic ranking. Here's what it actually takes to get into one this year.
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Losing homework two minutes after finishing it isn't a discipline problem — it's executive function. Here's what actually builds it.
READ MORECompetitive debate can feel confusing at first, especially for families new to the activity. Unlike traditional youth sports, debate does not operate under a single league or season. Instead, students compete across multiple circuits, at different levels, and often in different formats throughout the year. This guide explains how the competitive debate world works, when the debate season runs, and how students at Civic Debate Academy (CDA) participate and thrive at every level.
READ MOREWhile practicing debate already improves skills like critical thinking, research, and communication, competing in tournaments accelerates growth by placing students in real competitive situations that require quick thinking, adaptability, and confidence.
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