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Cooper Middle School · McLean, VA
Building tomorrow's leaders through the power of argument
Who We Are
The Cooper Debate Team develops middle school students into confident, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Through the discipline of Public Forum debate, we equip students with skills that extend far beyond the debate round.
We believe every student has something important to say — and the power to say it well. Our team competes at the highest levels while fostering collaboration, curiosity, and mutual respect.
"The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress." — Joseph Joubert
What We Stand For
The principles that shape every practice, every round, and every debater who wears the Cooper name.
We develop voices that are articulate, persuasive, and grounded in evidence.
Critical thinking, research, and logical argumentation are the heart of what we do.
We compete fiercely and always with sportsmanship, respect, and honesty.
The Benefits
Debate is one of the most transformative academic activities a student can pursue. The research is clear — debaters outperform peers in critical thinking, academic achievement, and career outcomes.
Overcome stage fright and develop the poise to speak confidently in front of any audience.
Analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, and construct logical arguments under pressure.
Learn to find, evaluate, and cite credible sources on real-world policy issues.
Build the self-assurance to lead, persuade, and make a difference in any field.
Public Forum Debate
Public Forum (PF) is a two-on-two debate format focused on current events and policy issues. Teams alternate arguing both sides of a resolution — developing intellectual flexibility and a deep understanding of real-world issues.
Each team presents their initial case arguments.
Both teams question each other's arguments directly.
Teams attack the opposing case and defend their own.
Each team crystallizes the most important voting issues.
Last chance to persuade the judge — usually 2-3 key arguments.
Our Circuit
The Washington Area Speech and Debate League (WASDL), formerly WACFL, is the premier middle and high school debate circuit in the DC/Northern Virginia region. Cooper Debate competes at WASDL tournaments throughout the fall and spring seasons, culminating in the Metro Finals championship.
Multiple WASDL tournaments throughout the year in a special middle-school Public Forum (PF) division.
The regional championship — Cooper earned a top-four finish at Metro Finals in 2025 and advanced to NSDA Nationals.
The national championship — we placed 4th, our best finish in program history.
The Team Behind the Team
Dedicated to helping students find their voice, think critically, and compete with clarity, confidence, and integrity at every level of competition.
"Every voice deserves to be heard."
A trusted mentor who inspires every debater through guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support — both inside and outside the debate round.
"Every great debater starts with encouragement."
Get Involved
No experience necessary. We welcome any Cooper Middle School student who is committed, curious, and ready to work hard. Here's how to get started:
Attend the information session at the start of the school year to learn what debate is all about and how to get started.
The 2026–27 application window has closed. Future seasons will publish joining steps here.
Plan for two rounds of debate with your partner against another team – 2 vs 2 – on the data centers topic.
Once accepted, you'll begin practicing and compete in your first WASDL tournament!
About This Website
Designed & developed by Hannah Shiv
Built as a volunteer community service initiative to support the Cooper Debate community, including students, coaches, and families, at no cost to the team.
