Frequently Asked Questions

FDT's academic calendar is not organized by terms. Instead, we have a 35-week long annual program from September to June, two week-long camps over Winter and Spring breaks, and an 8-week long Summer program. This allows us to enrol students on an ongoing basis, at anytime throughout the year! 

Absolutely! We offer beginner, experienced and advanced tracks, and help students find the level that suits them best. New students will receive an introductory lesson and additional support on their first day, to ensure that they are well-integrated.

We teach Canadian National Debate Format, British Parliamentary, Cross-Examination, and World Schools.

Group classes are 1 hour & 45 minutes. Standard private classes are 50 minutes.

Group classes range in size from 3 to 25 students, depending on the class, with 1 teacher for every 5-6 students.

Our average class ratio is 5 students for every 1 instructor.

Classes are guided by a robust curriculum designed by our Head Instructors and Founding Director. Most classes consist of lectures, workshops, practice debates, and skill-building. Many classes are geared towards preparing students for debate and speech competitions, meaning students will learn the skills required to compete and will receive ample practice time in class.

The homework structure differs based on class level and age. Many of our younger students receive homework once a week that should take about one hour to complete. Older students do not receive homework but are expected them to spend a lot of time preparing for tournaments. 

All students can benefit from our custom Reading List that is regularly updated. 

Our prices vary and depend on the package you want. We also offer customizable packages. Click here to reach our Admissions Director and learn more.

It's very important that students attend their scheduled class for the best learning experience and to ensure the academy runs smoothly. With that said, we understand things may come up.
If a student is unable to attend an upcoming group class and wants to makeup the class on another day, they must inform FDT of their absence with a minimum of 24 hours' notice by emailing [email protected].

GROUP CLASSES 

• If the student does provide notice, they can makeup the class by joining the same level class that is offered on a different day either the week before, that same week, or the week after – they cannot makeup the class during future weeks.
• If a student does not provide 24 hours’ notice via office@fdtacademy, they are not permitted to makeup the missed class.
• If a student shows up for an alternate class without providing 24 hours’ notice and without having received approval from FDT staff, they will be turned away and cannot participate in the class.
• There will be no exceptions to this policy – if you email, text message or call an FDT team member – you will not be permitted to take a makeup class. You must email [email protected] in order to be awarded a makeup class.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Students must give at least 24 hours’ notice for all private class cancellations, or they will be charged for the class.

• If a student does provide 24 hours’ notice, they may contact their private instructor to set up a makeup class.

We run a debate camp three times per year during winter, spring and summer breaks. Camps are structured around students' experience levels and tournament needs, to ensure that everyone gets the most out of each session. Our debate camps are uniquely valuable because they provide students with high quantity of teaching and practice hours within a few number of days. Anyone is able to attend FDT's camps – click here to learn more!

Students' skills are tested twice per year, in December and June. Exam results are sent out to students and parents, and our instructors are available to answer any questions about the student's progress. The format of our exams vary among classes, however, they are usually in the form of a debate or public speaking address.

Tournaments are hosted locally, regionally, nationally and internationally throughout the year. All students can sign up for debate tournaments, provided that they meet the tournament's requirements.