The English-Speaking Union

Education Programs

Middle School Public Debate Program


Let's change the tenor of critical discourse in our country. Engage your students in critical thinking about current events.


To register for the 2023-2024 school year visit your league page on the left side bar!

The ESU Middle School Debate Program is an ESU educational initiative in partnership with Claremont McKenna College's Middle School Public Debate Program, international leaders in middle school debate education.  The program is for students in grades 5-8 to help them develop critical thinking and language arts skills through public speaking. 


2021 New York Debate League Championship

We are so proud of all our schools and students for participating in this year's program! Congratulations to the ESU NYDL Middle School Debate team from The Dalton School in New York City for winning the 2021 Middle School Debate Championship, and to all of this year's participants. Read more about this year's season.