Forging Christian Thinkers
Equipping Courageous Communicators
FORGE Academy is a Christian speech and debate club for home educated students. Through the study and practical application of speech and debate, students learn to think Biblically, communicate truth with wisdom and grace, and develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to serve Christ faithfully throughout their lives.
Why FORGE Exists
Our world is filled with competing ideas and persuasive voices. More than ever, young people need the ability to discern truth, think critically, communicate with conviction, and engage others with humility and grace.
At FORGE Academy, we believe these abilities are not merely academic skills but essential tools for faithful Christian living. Through disciplined study, thoughtful research, meaningful competition, and constructive feedback, students are shaped into confident communicators who seek truth, pursue wisdom, and influence others for Christ.
Why Speech & Debate Matters
Studying speech and debate in high school is an not just another "subject." It is a vital and valuable experience that lays a foundation for every student.
The habits and skills developed help and support students throughout their entire lives, regardless of their career path.
It assists with analysis in decision-making, helping students make more thoughtful decisions as adults.
It creates confidence in their beliefs and opinions because those beliefs and opinions are well-researched and considered from multiple perspectives. As a result, students become able to know what they believe and why, which helps them stand firm in their faith when faced with the common trials and challenges of adulthood.
Students learn to carefully evaluate the ideas to which they are exposed, to sift the wheat from the chaff, and to hold onto that which is good and true.
They learn to think on their feet, when to speak and when to stay silent, how to actively listen and really understand what others are trying to say before responding.
Furthermore, students of speech and debate learn how to think independently of Artificial Intelligence, which is a dying skill in our youth. It is paramount that we equip students how to navigate information, evaluate, and find truth in an AI slop world.
Not only do students gain the above valuable skills, but they also learn how to work as a team, pull their own weight, how to overcome conflicts between ideas and opinions.
Speech and debate students have even demonstrated improved reading ability, grades, self-esteem, and interest in continued learning. (Source)
Many graduates of speech and debate programs report that their training and experiences helped them overcome their fear of public speaking and that the skills they learned have helped them in all areas of life: from managing relationships to raising children to career success.
The world is changing. Students must learn how to adapt, overcome, and influence their own society for good rather than isolate and hope for the best.
In an age of decreased privacy and advanced marketing manipulation, we must equip the next generation on how to preserve their inherent rights, deconstruct arguments that start to feel "right" from sheer repetition, and who can stand firm in their beliefs regardless of the culture around them.
If you've ever worried about the next generation, I urge you to consider enrolling your student in speech and debate. We are not just teaching a subject, we are equipping our next generation to create a brighter future.
- Rachel Hiser, Founder of FORGE Academy
What Sets FORGE Apart
Three core commitments shape every class, conversation, and competition at FORGE Academy.
We Pursue Truth
We believe truth is objective, knowable, and ultimately rooted in God's Word.
We Cultivate Wisdom
Students learn to think carefully, discern wisely, listen actively, and articulate compelling ideas clearly
We Build Skills
Students build foundational skills that enable success in education, career, and relationships
Partnering with Home Educating Families
FORGE Academy partners with homeschooling families to strengthen skills that support - not compete with - the education already taking place at home. Speech and debate naturally integrate reading, writing, research, history, current events, logic, rhetoric, and biblical worldview into meaningful, real-world application.
Because we value family life, our classes are held during the day whenever possible, helping preserve evenings for family, church, and other commitments. While speech and debate require dedication and consistent practice, we view these as an extension of a student's education rather than simply another extracurricular activity.
FORGE Student Journey
From Curiosity to Lifelong Influence
A clear path guides students as they grow in skill, character, and Christ-centered influence.
Interested in Learning More?
Attend a Parent Informational Meeting
You are invited to attend one of our Parent Informational Meetings where you can learn more about who we are, what to expect, schedules, costs, and have your questions answered in person. Registration required to attend.
Dedicated to Truth, Wisdom, and Christ
We invite you to step into a rich academic tradition. Whether you are ready to apply, seeking more information, or simply wish to connect with our leadership, we look forward to hearing from you.