Legitimate Alternatives

Real programs that develop real skills — without the hidden costs, broken promises, or NDAs.

Your child deserves access to excellent debate education. These programs have proven track records, transparent pricing, and genuine commitments to student development. This list will continue to grow.

Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL)

Emory University Barkley Forum • Est. 1985 • Atlanta, GA

The AUDL has provided excellent debate education to diverse K-12 students across metro Atlanta for over 30 years. A partnership between Atlanta Public Schools and Emory University, it teaches critical thinking, research, public speaking, and advocacy skills through tournaments, workshops, summer camps, and in-school programming.

881students reached (2023-24)
54partner schools
30+years of impact
94%report exposure to new ideas

Programs include competitive debate tournaments (Sept-April), a Digital Debate Center, Debate Ambassadors for regional/national competition, teacher training through Debate Across the Curriculum, and elementary debate programming.

Know a program that should be listed here?

If you know of a legitimate debate, college prep, or leadership program that serves underrepresented students with transparency and integrity, email us and we'll review it for inclusion.