Co-curricular Programs - Debate & Public Speaking

Although speaking in public ranks as a top fear of American adults, High Meadows students learn to speak securely and articulately at every grade level. Younger students may explore a topic that interests them and then teach others about it. Older students often conduct research as extensions of classroom study, and then present what they’ve learned as the unit culminates. By the Middle Years, students easily combine research and presentation skills to express their ideas with confidence.

The school’s thriving debate program offers additional public speaking opportunities to students. Now in its seventh year, the program has become well known throughout the greater Atlanta area for its excellence and depth, with countless awards and state championship titles earned each year. Approximately 70 percent of all middle years students participate in the debate program by the end of eighth grade, with about half of those participating actively, often going on to pursue high school and college level debate. The Middle School Urban Debate League in which the High Meadows team participates brings together virtually every socioeconomic population in the Atlanta area, helping students build empathy and broader perspectives on their local community.

Students who participate in Debate strengthen:

• Reading, organization, writing, speaking, research and listening skills.
• Knowledge of academic areas, ranging from history to public health to technology.
• Collaboration skills
• Self-awareness
• Greater understanding of current events and policy issues