Our Story
At Impact Debate Academy, we believe that every student, no matter where they are, deserves access to exceptional debate and public speaking education. As an online academy, we provide students from across Canada and beyond with the tools they need to excel in communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
We are proud to announce our merger with Fostering Debate Talent Academy, Canada's leading debate and public speaking institution. This partnership marks an exciting evolution in our journey, expanding the opportunities and resources available to our students.
Our mission is simple: to deliver world-class training and support to students wherever they may be. Together with FDT Academy, we are redefining what’s possible in debate and public speaking education. Our combined expertise and resources allow us to offer unmatched coaching, innovative curricula, and diverse program options that cater to students at every level.
With our expanded reach, we are creating a vibrant, interconnected community of passionate learners. Students can collaborate with peers worldwide, participate in joint events and competitions, and share in a mutual growth and excellence culture.
While we embrace this exciting new chapter, our core mission remains unchanged: to empower students to make an impact in their lives and their debating journeys. By equipping them with skills that go far beyond competition, we are preparing the leaders of tomorrow to excel in any field they choose.
Impact Debate Academy, now in partnership with FDT Academy, is committed to leading the way in online debate education. We are excited about the future and the incredible achievements our students will continue to accomplish together.
Our Philosophy
Debate is everywhere
The skills required for debate are applicable in almost every aspect of daily life. At Impact Debate Academy, we design our lessons to be relevant to students' personal, academic, and professional lives. Research skills developed for debate can be used in various contexts, and our emphasis on conciseness enhances essay writing and communication. Public speaking, a fundamental life skill, is integral to our curriculum. By improving students' debating skills, we equip them with a myriad of other essential life skills.
Debate is a game
Debate should be fun! We strive to make our lessons engaging and entertaining so that students can fully benefit from the content they learn. Students who enjoy an extracurricular activity are more likely to improve, as it requires effort and personal investment. At Impact Debate, we use activities, games, and practice sessions to make lessons more engaging and to help students apply the skills they learn. Our lecture topics address issues that interest students, making debate enjoyable and fun.
Debate is a competition
Being rewarded for one’s efforts is immensely satisfying. Debate is a competitive activity that celebrates tenacity and ability. At Impact Debate, we aim to provide students with the skills and strategies needed to excel in tough competitions. Our advanced classes and private lessons offer personalized coaching to help students achieve success at any level of competition. With deliberate practice and hard-won knowledge, we prepare students to get ahead, as long as they are ready and willing to learn.
IDA was founded in Calgary, Alberta.
With classes fully online, we are happy to accept students located anywhere.
We are an ADSA (Alberta Speech and Debate) member institution.
If your school does not have a debate club, you can register and compete at ADSA sanctioned tournaments through IDA.