Let Your Child'sConfidenceShine Here
Premier English debate training and international competition programs for youth in Vancouver — building critical thinkers, confident speakers, and future leaders.
Where Young Voices Find Their Power
Vancouver Leadership Academy is a premier debate and public speaking institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and confident communicators. Founded in Greater Vancouver, we serve students across South Surrey and West Vancouver.
Academic Excellence
Our curriculum is grounded in evidence-based argumentation, critical thinking, and research skills that translate directly into academic success.
Community & Mentorship
Students form lifelong bonds in a supportive, inclusive environment led by dedicated instructors who believe in every child's potential.
Global Stage
We prepare students for international competitions including World Schools Debate, Model UN, and national championship circuits.
Proven Results
Our graduates go on to lead school teams, win provincial championships, and excel in university admissions with confidence.
Three Paths to Leadership
Competitive Debate
Grades 5 – 12
Master the art of structured argument in British Parliamentary and World Schools formats. Students compete locally and internationally, developing razor-sharp analytical skills.
- British Parliamentary & World Schools formats
- Tournament preparation & mock debates
- Research methodology & fact-checking
- Rebuttal strategies & cross-examination
Public Speaking
Grades 1 – 12
Build unshakable confidence at the podium. From storytelling to persuasive speeches, students learn to command any room with clarity, poise, and genuine conviction.
- Speech writing & structure
- Vocal delivery & body language
- Storytelling & narrative techniques
- Impromptu speaking exercises
Model United Nations
Grades 7 – 12
Step into the global arena. Students represent countries, draft resolutions, and negotiate across international committees — developing diplomacy, research, and leadership skills.
- Position paper & resolution writing
- Diplomatic negotiation tactics
- Global affairs & geopolitics
- Conference preparation & etiquette
Guided by Champions
Our instructors are accomplished debaters, speakers, and educators who are deeply invested in every student's growth. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention for each learner.
Liam S.
Debate Coach
Top Speaker, 2023 BC Provincials · UBC
Five years of competitive debate experience specializing in CNDF and Worlds formats. Runner-up at the 2024 BC Provincials, 3× Nationals and 5× Provincials competitor with multiple Top 10 placements — including a round won against WSDC Team Singapore at a Doxbridge tournament.
Ameen P.
Debate Coach
Harvard HSDC 4th Seed · UofT Mock Trial Winner
Finalist at Queen's HADC and 3rd Speaker at York HSDC, with a 4th-seeded team finish at Harvard HSDC. Novice Finalist at the North American University Debate Championship and winner of the University of Toronto Mock Trial Competition.
Leo Z.
Debate Coach
Team Canada, WSDC 2023–24 · 4th Best Speaker in the World
Member of Team Canada (WSDC 2023–2024) and 4th Best Speaker in the World at WSDC 2024. Champion of the Pairs & Transatlantic WSDC Opens and of Canadian Nationals & Western Winter HST (BP), with over three years of coaching across CNDF, BP, WSDC, and Cross-Ex formats.
Lauryn L.
Public Speaking & Debate Coach
NSDA 1st Diamond Coach · UBC Sauder
A coach with 7+ years of experience in American and Canadian-style debates, recognized as a 1st Diamond Coach under the National Speech & Debate Association. Lauryn has led students to win the Tournament of Champions, Stanford Invitational, and Duke Invitational.
Daniel Bagheri
Debate Coach
UBC Cognitive Systems · BP, PF & CNDF
An experienced, highly rated debate coach and former President of the Carson Graham Secondary Debate Club, trained in British Parliamentary, PF, and CNDF formats. Daniel pairs argument construction and rebuttal with a structured, highly interactive curriculum.
Ms. Didem
Elite Instructor · Debate & Public Speaking
10+ Years Experience · 300+ Students Taught
With over a decade of teaching and 300+ students taught, Ms. Didem focuses on public speaking and debate, critical reading and writing, and confidence and communication. She holds a B.Sc. from the State University of New York and is TESOL certified with distinction.
Anais N.
Debate & Public Speaking Coach
5+ Years Coaching · Criminology Graduate
An experienced coach with over five years of professional coaching experience, specializing in competitive debate in America. Anais has worked with learners from elementary students to adults on fluency, structured argumentation, and speaking confidence.
Mary S.
Leadership & Public Speaking Coach
BA Psychology, SFU · ABA-Trained
An experienced and enthusiastic coach with expertise in leading children, youth, and adults in building leadership, public speaking, and critical-thinking skills. With extensive ABA training, Mary adapts her approach to each learner's unique strengths.
Upcoming Competitions & Camps
VLA Spring Debate Tournament
Annual inter-school British Parliamentary debate tournament open to Grades 7–12. Teams of 2–4 students compete across 4 preliminary rounds and elimination rounds.
Summer Debate Camp — Registration Deadline
Last day to register for the 2-week intensive summer debate camp. Limited spots available for Grades 5–12 across both World Schools and Parliamentary formats.
Summer Intensive Debate Camp
Two-week immersive debate camp covering argumentation theory, research skills, and competitive formats. Includes daily practice rounds and instructor feedback sessions.
Fall Term Orientation & Open House
Meet our instructors, tour the facilities, and watch a live demonstration debate. Free trial classes available for new students. Parents welcome.
BC Provincial Debate Championship
Provincial qualifying tournament for national championship selection. VLA students compete in World Schools format representing Greater Vancouver region.
Model UN Conference — VLADMUN
Our flagship Model UN conference bringing together delegates from across Metro Vancouver. Five committees simulating real UN councils and international bodies.
Weekly Class Schedule
Classes run on a rolling enrollment basis. Contact us to confirm current availability or to reserve a spot in an upcoming term.
South Surrey, BC · Contact us for exact address
Monday
Wednesday
Saturday
Ready to reserve a spot?
Trial classes are available for all programs. Contact us to arrange your first session.
Start Your Child's Journey
We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within one business day to arrange a trial class.
Phone
Mary: 778-991-1595West Vancouver
1760 Marine Dr. #210
West Vancouver, BC V7V 1J5
South Surrey
Contact us for location details
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