The Connecticut Debate Association
Connecticut’s premier high school debate league
With roots going back to the 1960s, CDA has been hosting regular debate competitions for over 30 years.
Our mission is to provide a competitive educational experience for students from across the state.
We believe that debate and other forms of forensic competition prioritize skills which transfer well into school, career and personal life.
Is Your Town on the Map?
CDA has debate programs in:
Public Schools
Private Schools
Regional Schools
Magnet Schools
Technical Schools
New members are always welcome, whether you have two interested students or twenty, and no experience is needed to compete or coach.
Contact us to learn how your school can join the league.
November 2026 Competition
At the November competition, 285 students from 34 schools debated at Farmington High School and Pomperaug High School in Southbury on the motion, “THBT the U.S. Government should nationalize Starlink.” Congratulations to the teams of Ganta and Burns (Farmington) and Muppalla and Gupta (Wilton) for their first place wins in the Varsity division!
(Photo Credit: Michael Krupnikoff, Rick Pecka)
October 2026 Competition
In the CDA season opener, 273 students from 33 schools debated at Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton and Joel Barlow High School in Redding on the motion, “THBT Connecticut should make standardized tests mandatory for homeschooled students.” Congratulations to the teams of Flynn and Wong (AITE) and Nandikesan and Sadhu (Stamford) for their first place wins in the Varsity division!
(Photo Credit: Michael Krupnikoff, Claude Morest, Katie Wingertzahn)
CDA Novice Scrimmage
Eighty novice debaters from 13 schools across the state of Connecticut participated in our 17th Annual Novice Scrimmage at AITE in Stamford on October 3, 2026. Students in attendance debated on the motion “THW set maximum age limits for elected officials.”
(Photo Credit: Claude Morest)
2025-26 State finals Results
Congratulations to our state champions, the King School team of Jakubowski and Blanco, who won the final round on Opposition in a 2-1 decision over the Blind Brook team of Zeitune and Fitzpatrick. The motion for state finals was, “THBT the US-led, rules-based world order is irreparably broken.”
(Photo Credit: John Harrison)
Students Who Compete in Debate Gain…
Sharper critical thinking
Confident public speaking
Stronger writing and analysis
Deeper awareness of current events
Quick thinking under pressure
Preparation for college and career
civic engagement and informed Citizenship
“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument.”
― Desmond Tutu
Interested in starting your own debate team? Unsure of where to begin? Connect with us to learn more.