Coaching that compounds
Small groups. Real feedback. Every session.
Students are grouped by skill level and coached by nationally accomplished debaters — so beginners build confidence fast and experienced competitors sharpen toward titles.
Live, expert coaching that builds confidence, critical thinking, and a competitive edge — for beginners and experienced debaters alike.
What we do
Ascend Middle School Debate teaches speech and debate to students in grades 5–9 — through online classes and a competitive team during the school year, and in-person camps in California and Florida each summer.
Most middle schools don't have a debate team. Ours is open to any student, anywhere in the country: students train with experienced coaches on Zoom once or twice a week and compete under the Ascend name at tournaments throughout the year. We teach through Congressional Debate, where students give short speeches for or against a proposed law and answer questions from their peers — the best starting point we know for a new speaker. No experience is needed.
New to all of this? Start with our parent's guide to middle school debate, or see the online School Year Team and the summer camps.
The ultimate extracurricular
More than a club — a measurable, life-changing skill set that stands out on applications and in the real world.
Confident public speaking, rigorous argumentation, and quick critical thinking that compound for years.
Real tournament results and recognition that strengthen high school and college applications.
Students engage seriously with real issues and learn to see every side of an argument.
Coaching that compounds
Students are grouped by skill level and coached by nationally accomplished debaters — so beginners build confidence fast and experienced competitors sharpen toward titles.
Programs
Online speech and debate classes for grades 5–9, once or twice a week from September to June, with tournaments all year.
View School Year TeamResidential & commuter camps in California and Florida with immersive daily coaching.
View In-Person SummerProven outcomes
From a first practice round to national finals, Ascend debaters develop the confidence and craft that stand out far beyond debate.
“Start in middle school and you're not just building a debater — you're shaping how a student thinks, speaks, and leads for the rest of their life.” Quest Sandel · Co-Founder & CEO of Ascend
Meet with our team to find the right program for your student.
Meet With Our Team