Middle School · Grades 5–9
Online Middle School Team
Welcome to Speech & Debate
If you're in grades 5–9, we'd like to invite you to join Ascend's online middle school speech and debate team.
Through the prism of Congressional Debate, we introduce middle school students to the world of speech and debate through multiple online classes every week and online competition opportunities throughout the school year.
Congressional Debate bridges the presentation and pathos skills learned in speech events and the research and argumentation skills learned in traditional debate events. Students gain an understanding of a wide variety of the most prescient issues facing the United States and the world. Participating in middle school speech and debate sets students up for early success in high school speech and debate.
The Extracurricular for the Age of AI
In the Age of AI, the ability to speak clearly, persuade confidently, and lead decisively is your child's unfair advantage. Ascend trains the uniquely human skills that no machine can replicate — the ones that create leaders and changemakers.
Built by national-champion coaches, Ascend equips your child with the tools that AI will never master.
Enrollment
Join the Online Middle School Team
Deadline to Register: August 31, 2026 — Classes run September through June. Students who have questions are encouraged to schedule a call with us.
Full Academic Year
September to June — approximately $149.99/month. Best value for committed students.
- Full 2026–2027 academic year
- Multiple weekly coaching sessions
- Tournament eligibility
- Access to all recordings
First Semester
September to December — approximately $199.99/month. Great for trying out the program.
- First semester only
- Multiple weekly coaching sessions
- Tournament eligibility
- Access to all recordings
Need financial aid? Email us at info@ascendspeech.org or schedule a call.
Why Start Early
Why Middle School Speech & Debate?
- ✓Speech and debate is one of the largest academic extracurriculars in the world — proactive students begin in middle school.
- ✓College admissions committees value students with notable accomplishments in speech and debate. For many who start in high school, the wins that matter most occur in 12th grade — after applications are submitted.
- ✓Starting in middle school maximizes students' likelihood of winning the tournaments that make a difference on applications while demonstrating multi-year commitment.
- ✓Want to discuss the role of speech and debate in the college admissions process? Schedule a call now!
Logistics
Program Logistics
We offer multiple weekly group coaching sessions. While we recommend students attend both sessions, we expect students to attend at least one of the following two sessions hosted on Zoom:
Our middle school program is led by Ascend's Chief Operating Officer, Aditya Chordiya, one of the most accomplished coaches in competitive speech and debate.
Competition
Academic Year Schedule
Classes run from September 2026 through June 2027. Students will have opportunities to compete under the Ascend name — ideal for students without their own teams.
| Tournament | Month | Format |
|---|---|---|
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | November 2026 | Online |
| Ascend Middle School Classic | November 2026 | Online |
| Regent Legacy Invitational | December 2026 | Online |
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | January 2027 | Online |
| Stanford Invitational | February 2027 | Online |
| Harvard Invitational | February 2027 | Online |
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | March 2027 | Online |
| Middle School Tournament of Champions | May 2027 | Online |
| NSDA National Tournament | June 2027 | Richmond, VA |
What You Get
Key Features
Expert Coaches
Our coaches include a former national champion and years of coaching experience. Students receive expert mentorship throughout every session.
Tournaments
By joining Ascend, you can compete at the best middle school tournaments in the country, preparing students for the highest levels of competition.
Community
Meet ambitious middle schoolers from across the country. Build friendships that last a lifetime and find teammates you'll compete alongside for years.
Lectures
From topic and skills lectures to presentation coaching, the lessons students learn will enhance both their knowledge of the world and their public speaking abilities.
Practice Skills
The best way to internalize anything is by putting it into action. At Ascend, students practice against peers in a coach-guided setting.
Experience
There are other middle school academies, but none bring the level of experience that Ascend brings. You deserve experts, not rookies.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! Please email us at info@ascendspeech.org or schedule a call on our Calendly to discuss your request.
The Middle School Team is designed for students in grades 5–9. If you are outside these grades but still interested, we'd love to discuss your specific circumstance. Schedule a call now.
Ascend does not offer refunds.
Absolutely! Our programming is tailored to both students who have been part of the middle school team as well as those new to the program.