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Find the right program for your child and learn what to expect in a Lumos class.
Yes. Many of our students are nervous when they start, and many parents enroll their children to build confidence rather than to produce competitive debaters. Our classes are small, friendly, and hands-on, so students can step outside their comfort zone in a supportive setting. Parents who enroll for this reason often see the biggest change.
Students learn Public Forum Debate, the most popular style of debate in the United States. Students compete in teams of two and debate a resolution, which is a statement about a current event or policy question. Each team prepares arguments for both the pro and con sides.
For our Beginner Debate Club, topics are age-friendly and fun to research. Past examples include whether zoos are good or bad and whether homework ought to be banned. These change every semester allowing students to explore a variety of topics.
For Debate Team and Advanced Debate Team, topics are Public Forum resolutions about current events and public policy. Past topics have included raising the minimum wage, private versus public space exploration, and the benefits and drawbacks of NATO. Because topics change through the year, students stay engaged with the news and become well informed on a wide range of issues.
For both our school year classes and summer programs, all of our classes have a maximum class size of twelve students with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio. Instructors will make sure every child gets lots of speaking time and individual coaching!
This is quite rare — by the end of the first day, students usually can’t wait to come back. However, we do offer a full refund guarantee, just in case!
| Level | Grades | Experience | Class length | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1A: Beginner Debate Club | 4 to 6 | Beginner | 90 minutes | 10 weekly classes, final debate showcase |
| Level 2A: Debate Team | 6 to 8 | Beginner to intermediate | 2 hours | 10 weekly classes, 5 office hours, 2 tournaments, homework |
| Level 2B: Advanced Debate Team | 6 to 9 | Intermediate to advanced (Level 2A required) | 2 hours | 10 weekly classes, 5 office hours, 2 tournaments, homework |
Sixth graders can start in either Beginner Debate Club or Debate Team. Advanced Debate Team requires completion of Debate Team (Level 2A).
Classes are hands-on, with small groups and a lot of individual coaching. Students practice speaking in every session rather than listening to lectures. They work with their partner on research and case writing for the current topic. In Debate Team and Advanced Debate Team, students also practice debating in preparation for tournaments.
Debate Team (Level 2A) and Advanced Debate Team (Level 2B) include homework, mostly research and case writing for the current tournament topic. Beginner Debate Club (Level 1A) does not have homework as we focus on in-class practice that builds toward a final debate showcase.
Debate Team and Advanced Debate Team students compete in two tournaments each semester, where they debate teams from other classes. Beginner Debate Club students finish the semester with a final debate showcase.
| 9:00 AM | Check-in, warm-up, and ice breakers with the class |
| 9:30 AM | Morning lesson: speech games, learning new concepts, and practice exercises |
| 10:00 AM | Small group work and one-on-one private coaching |
| 11:00 AM | Interactive debate/speech class activity |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch & outdoor/free time |
| 1:30 PM | Individual work/coaching (writing, preparing for mini-debate, etc.) |
| 2:00 PM | Individual speech coaching with instructor feedback |
| 3:00 PM | Student choice game/activity! |
| 4:00 PM | Pickup |
Homework is optional for all of our programs. Students have the opportunity to research and write their speeches outside of class, but homework is not required.
We understand that summer plans change so there is no fee for switching sessions. We will do our best to make the change possible.
Students should bring a notebook and writing utensils. For all programs (except our Young Speakers program) students should bring a laptop. We are happy to provide any of these materials if necessary!
Lunch is not provided, students should bring their own. We are a peanut free program, so please keep that in mind!
No. Summer program hours are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, as shown in the sample schedule.
