Barstow's award-winning middle and upper school debate programs do more than teach students critical thinking, organization, reason and research skills. They instill a confidence and global awareness that students carry with them into college and beyond.
Middle and upper school debaters routinely win metro, regional and national tournaments. Students compete October through March, but hone their skills throughout the school year and part of the summer. Barstow's middle school debate team has earned eight consecutive DEBATE-Kansas City championships. The upper school debate team is Missouri’s only competitor on the national policy debate circuit.