Mount Denali in Alaska, U.S.A., is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to peak on land, rising a breathtaking 5,500 meters.
Like its namesake, Denali Academy is built for those who refuse the comfort of the base and choose the climb. It is where ambitious middle and high school students push their limits — sharpening their critical thinking, strengthening their voice, and rising with confidence through debate.
Our Mission
At Denali Academy, we coach your students to achieve their maximum potential in critical thinking and debate. Many of our students compete at the World Scholar’s Cup, Model United Nations, and other academic endeavours.
Who We Are
Founded by Alicia Oarto (former WSC scholar) and Denzel Tan (former WSC scholar and staff), we had a vision for an academy that channeled our champion experience into an academy that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and teamwork. Through tailored study plans and constructive feedback, we equip students with debate finesse and agile critical thinking that earn trophies today and propel long-term academic success. At Denali, learning isn’t a chore; it’s a adventurous journey.
Currently studying at the University of California, Berkeley Majoring in Economics
Alicia Oarto
Denzel Tan
Currently studying at the University of California, Berkeley
Majoring in Economics
Alicia's experiences include:
Currently studying at the University of California, Berkeley
Majoring in Economics
Alicia's experiences include:
Next Haven Group
Chicago, U.S.A.
Private Equity Intern
Haas Business Student Association
Berkeley, U.S.A.
Advisory Council
Saratoga
Jakarta, Indonesia
Investment Banking Intern
Undergraduate Private Equity Club at Berkeley
Berkeley, U.S.A.
Executive
Indo Premier Sekuritas
Jakarta, Indonesia
Investment Banking Intern
Suatu Kasih
Jakarta, Indonesia
Founder
Currently studying at the University of Melbourne
Double majoring in Political Science and Economics
Denzel's experiences include:
World Scholar's Cup
Global
Organizing Comittee
School of Social and Political Sciences
Melbourne, Australia
Undergraduate Researcher
EY-Parthenon
Jakarta, Indonesia
Strategy & Transactions
World Health Organization H.Q.
Geneva, Switzerland
Research Analyst Intern
Global Consulting Group
Melbourne, Australia
Project Manager
Indonesian Student’s Association
Melbourne, Australia
Officer for The Forum
In an evolving world of AI, brainrot, and endless social media,
critical thinking skills are ever so important.
According to research from the World Economic Forum (2025), 70% of employers look for analytical thinking skills. It is essential that the students of today are ready for the needs of tomorrow.
Denzel Tan
A text message from one of my students after his team had just won first place and he won a trophy for individual debate at the World Scholar's Cup 2025 Global Round in Bangkok.
Like
Just like Mount Denali, we take students to the pinnacle of what is possible for each student.
At Denali Academy, we train students for the future, and so much more.
