Valwood's varsity debate team competes against other schools in two-person policy debate teams. Participants learn the ins and outs of crafting meaningful arguments, presenting their statements, and finding ways to outthink the competition. Students learn to present themselves professionally and how to think under pressure. Debates are held on an issue of international importance chosen each year. Eighth through twelfth grade students are welcome to participate. This year, David Tyler will coordinate Valwood's debate program.

Valwood Teams have qualified for the state tournament by finishing in the top two teams in the region for the past eight years and have finished no lower than third at the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA State Tournament in each of those years. The students  were the region champions for 2006 and 2007 and were the state champion runner-up the last two years in a row. Valwood has a thriving Middle School debate program that participates in parliamentary style debate. This is good prepration for future participation in policy debate. 

In addition to our membership in the GISA, Valwood is also a member of the Georgia Red Clay National Forensic League (NFL) District and students are able to earn points towards NFL degrees.