Fremont Debate Academy Programs For Horner Students*

Note: Programs will start virtually, and will eventually transition to in-person. Session times may change when that happens.

NEW Application Due Date: September 6th
Debate Tryout Date: September 9th

*No Civics Tryout - application only! Please read more below.

Informational Session (September 3rd, 6:30 - 7:30 PM): https://tinyurl.com/fdainformationalmeeting

Contact email: fdahorner@fremontdebateacademy.org. *Not Affiliated with Horner Middle School.

Tryouts Information

Debate Tryout Information: Tryouts will be on September 9th from 4:30PM - 6:30PM. Emails will be sent out beforehand with full instructions on how to access the tryout calls and the exact times for each applicant. Applicants will be given a side of a random topic and paired up against each other in one-on-one miniature debates, where they will be judged based on categories such as argumentation, strength of reasoning, and speaking style (they will also be judged on their application). Tryout debates will NOT have a result (winner or loser). 

Civics Video Information: Instead of tryouts, students applying to civics will upload a 3-5 minute video where they introduce themselves, identify a problem in California, and propose a project that they can do to help solve the issue. Further instructions for the video and upload will be on the application form.

NOTE: Students may apply and try-out (for debate) for both programs, but will only be allowed to choose one if they are accepted into both. More information regarding debate tryouts will be sent over email after your application is received.

Additional Information

Introducing Fremont Debate Academy (FDA) programs for Horner Middle School students this year!* Fremont Debate Academy is a 501(3) international non-profit with programs scheduled in over 19 states and 8 countries. Over the past 7 years, FDA has impacted over 5000 students, including students from Horner for 6 years! Former students have placed among #1 in the South & East Bay Debate Leagues, #1 in FDA’s International Tournament, and more!

We’ve seen the positive impact that these programs have had on our students. Our internal surveys have shown that students participating in FDA’s programs have seen a 39.1% improvement in their self-confidence & public speaking skills, a 45.9% improvement in their worldly knowledge & research skills, and 90% of students saying their participation has had a positive impact on their academic performance. 

Here are the two programs offered by Fremont Debate Academy for Horner students (open to 6th to 8th grade students):

Fremont Debate Academy’s Civics Program For Horner Students

This is a program focused on mentoring students to design a real-world project to help their community around them. Students will learn about politics, economics, and civic responsibility, and become social entrepreneurs by taking on their initiatives in teams. This is not a debate program.

Fremont Debate Academy’s Debate Program For Horner Students 

This is a year-round competitive debate program following the Middle School Public Debate Format (MSPDP). Students will develop argumentation and research skills, and apply them at regional and state-wide tournaments (virtually held every 1-2 months).

Note: Students may apply and try-out for both programs, but will only be allowed to choose one if they are accepted into both. 6th graders who are accepted into civics will be allowed to participate in their respective elementary school debate program, but 6th graders who are accepted into debate may not. 

We’re excited to see what our debaters and civics students can do this year, and we hope to see you at tryouts!