Middle School · Grades 5–9
If you're in grades 5–9, we'd like to invite you to join Ascend Academy'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.
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 members of the Stanford University community, Ascend equips your child with the tools that AI will never master.
Enrollment
Deadline to Register: August 31, 2026 — Classes run September through June. Students who have questions are encouraged to schedule a call with us.
September to June — approximately $149.99/month. Best value for committed students.
September to December — approximately $199.99/month. Great for trying out the program.
Need financial aid? Email us at info@ascendspeech.org or schedule a call.
Why Start Early
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
Classes run from the week of September 8, 2025 until the week of June 15, 2026. Students will have opportunities to compete under the Ascend Academy name — ideal for students without their own teams.
| Tournament | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | November 6, 2025 | Online |
| Ascend Middle School Classic | November 15, 2025 | Online |
| Regent Legacy Invitational | December 13–14, 2025 | Online |
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | January 2026 | Online |
| Stanford Invitational | February 7–8, 2026 | Online |
| Harvard Invitational | February 14–16, 2026 | Online |
| NSDA Springboard Scrimmage | March 2026 | Online |
| Middle School Tournament of Champions | May 2026 | Online |
| NSDA National Tournament | June 16–19, 2026 | Richmond, VA |
What You Get
Our coaches include a former national champion and years of coaching experience. Students receive expert mentorship throughout every session.
By joining Ascend Academy, you can compete at the best middle school tournaments in the country, preparing students for the highest levels of competition.
Meet ambitious middle schoolers from across the country. Build friendships that last a lifetime and find teammates you'll compete alongside for years.
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.
The best way to internalize anything is by putting it into action. At Ascend Academy, students practice against peers in a coach-guided setting.
There are other middle school academies, but none bring the level of experience that Ascend brings. You deserve experts, not rookies.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely! Please email us at info@ascendspeech.org or schedule a call on our Calendly to discuss your request.
The Ascend Academy 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 Academy 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.
Give your child the unfair advantage. Enroll in the Ascend Academy Middle School Team today.
Enroll Now Schedule a Call