In two decades our students will be leaders.
Preparation starts now
Immerse your student in the world of international affairs, politics, and debate through our in-person or online programs and simulations.
We offer in-person and online after-school classes for Middle and High School Students.
"My son has grown so much from this Two Decades Academy's program. His level of discourse and knowledge on topics ranging from foreign affairs to current events is outstanding. I can barely keep up as his parent! And most importantly, he loves it and looks forward to every session."
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- Kimarie Matthews - TDA Parent
Two Decades Academy is dedicated to increasing access to excellent educational experiences and offers Financial Aid and/or a Tuition Scale for all programs. Apply for Financial Aid here.
Course Offerings for 2023- 2024
TDA Year Round-Program
- in-person classes -
Middle School
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San Francisco: Tuesdays - 4:30 - 6:15 pm -September 12 - May 7.
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Palo Alto: Wednesdays - 4:30 to 6:15 pm - September 13 - May 8.
Focus
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The course is for students who run for class president, or who show interest in debating, and those seeking to find their voice;
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Basic public speaking & debate skills development;
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Thoughtful current events discussions;
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Basic media literacy & bias detection;
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Research initiation;
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Four (4) debates per academic year;
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End-of-year demonstration of progress.
TDA Year Round-Program
- in-person classes -
High School
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San Francisco: Thursdays - 4:30 - 6:15 pm -September 14 - May 9.
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Palo Alto: Wednesdays - 4:30 to 6:15 pm - September 15 - May 10.
Focus
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Perfect enrichment course for students seeking to lead and those inclined toward debate, law, humanities, and current events.
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​Advanced public speaking & debate skills (no experience necessary);
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Current events analysis;
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Media literacy & bias detection;
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Negotiation & research training;
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Four (4) debates per academic year;
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Option to attend Model United Nations or Model Congress conferences.
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End-of-year demonstration of progress.
TDA is no longer accepting students
Online Course Offerings for 2023- 2024
TDA Year Round-Program
- online classes -
High School & Early University
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Fridays from 9 - 11 am PST.
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29 weeks of classes.
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September 15, 2023 - May 17, 2024.
Focus
- Perfect for independent learners and international students concerned with global issues and seeking to lead;
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Advanced public speaking & debate skills (no experience necessary);
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Current events analysis;
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Media literacy & bias detection;
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Negotiation & research training;
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Three (3) debates per academic year;
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Option to attend online Model United Nations or Model Congress conferences;
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End-of-year demonstration of progress.
TDA Short Courses
- online classes -
High School
Session 1: October 3, 2023 - October 24, 2023 Session 2: November 7, 2023 - December 5, 2023 Session 3: January 9, 2024 - January 30, 2024 Session 4: February 27, 2024 - March 19, 2024 Session 5: April 2, 2024 - April 23, 2024
Middle School
Session 1: October 5, 2023 - October 26, 2023 Session 2: November 9, 2023 - December 7, 2023 Session 3: January 11, 2024 - January 31, 2024 Session 4: February 29, 2024 - March 21, 2024 Session 5: April 4, 2024 - April 25, 2024
Focus
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Designed for those who are seeking public speaking and debate challenges;
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One month of weekly classes;
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Weekly public speaking & debate practice;
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Challenging asynchronous assignments;
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Individual assessment and feedback;
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Progress reports upon request.
TDA is no longer accepting students
Our Focus
Why is it called "Two Decades Academy"?
Because two decades after students leave our program, we want them to remember how they found their values, and how to live by them.
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Because when they become leaders, the decisions they will take two decades down the line will impact others, and those decisions should be informed by their most deeply held values- those that one discovers only with the benefit of an open, free mind.
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Because we treat our students' intellectual capacity as if it was two decades wiser- speaking to the adult that will be, not the child that was.
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Because Middle and High School shouldn’t only be an admissions circus, but a learning opportunity as influential as higher education or employment.
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Because when we take a long view of education, we discard the momentary rollercoaster of grades, and focus on the person behind the number or letter.
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Because when we look at issues two decades or more into the past and two decades into the future, we recognize the important elements of the times we are living in, and focus on the meaningful issues, and not the latest outrage.
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For these, and many others: Two Decades Academy.
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- Simon Olavarria
Founder & Educational Director
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