14 Fall Public Speaking Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 9 min read
If you're looking to improve your public speaking skills this fall, there are several programs designed for middle school students that can help you develop confidence and clarity in communication. Public speaking programs for middle schoolers go beyond the classroom, offering opportunities for practice in areas like debate, persuasive speaking, mock trials, and academic presentations. Many of them provide access to coaches and structured mentorship.
Public speaking is a valuable skill to have at any age, whether you're interested in leading a group, presenting research, performing, or simply becoming more confident in expressing your ideas. To help you find the right fit, we've put together a list of fall public speaking programs for middle school students. Each program runs during the school year (September–December), is open to students in grades 6–8, and focuses on building key communication, debate, and presentation skills. Some offer selectivity or full funding, and all are backed by experienced educators and reputable organizations.
Below is a list of 14 fall public speaking programs for middle schoolers that can help you gain confidence in your communication.
Location: Online (Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers; HQ – Wilmington, DE)
Cost:Â Varies | Need-based financial aid available
Program Dates:Â 8 weeks (rolling cohorts throughout the year)
Application Deadline:Â Varies across different cohorts
Eligibility:Â Students in grades 6 to 8 | Open to motivated students globally interested in exploring academic research or writing
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program pairs middle school students with PhD mentors from universities such as Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Princeton to explore academic subjects and develop a written project. Across eight weeks, you’ll learn to read and interpret academic literature, build research questions, and create outputs such as a high school-level research paper or case study. You’ll receive individualized feedback through eight mentor sessions and two writing-coach sessions, ensuring you master both analytical and writing fundamentals. Research topics range from gene editing to behavioral economics. The program’s rigorous selection process and personalized mentorship make it one of the most competitive and enriching academic writing experiences available for middle school students. Lumiere also offers a Junior Research and Publication Program for students who wish to publish their research in academic journals.
Location: Virtual
Cost:Â Varies | Need-based financial aid available
Program dates:Â 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort | 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application deadline:Â Rolling deadlines | You can apply to the program here
Eligibility:Â Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and developing a machine-learning algorithm to generate a customized list of educational resources based on specified criteria.
Location:Â Reston, VA (in-person) and online nationwide
Cost:Â Free introductory fall workshops | Paid classes vary by level
Program Dates: Fall term (September–December; weekly and weekend sessions)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until class capacity is reached
Eligibility: Grades 5–8 (core track) | Placement assessment for continuing students
Highest Speak’s Public Speaking Workshops and Classes guide students through progressive communication training that blends confidence-building with structured speaking practice. The Grades 5–8 track covers Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Storytelling, Persuasive Speech, Impromptu Delivery, and Debate, helping you master stage presence, organization, and argumentation. Debate modules introduce teamwork and competitive formats, giving you hands-on experience in logic and reasoning. You will also explore creative expression through electives like content creation, social leadership, and stand-up performance, reinforcing both confidence and authenticity. Free fall workshops allow newcomers to experience the program before joining full-term sessions, making it an accessible and skill-rich option for aspiring speakers.
Location:Â Online (based in Seattle, WA)
Cost: $300–$380 per studentÂ
Program Dates: September 13–November 19
Application Deadline: Rolling until clubs are full | 8–12 students per club
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 (Advanced Clubs require at least two prior DebateAble sessions)
Middle schoolers in the DebateAble Kids Debate Program develop advanced public speaking, cross-examination, and refutation skills through structured online sessions. Each small-group club (8–12 students) emphasizes teamwork, evidence-based argumentation, and critical reasoning in a supportive setting led by experienced coaches. You will participate in games, mini-debates, and a capstone tournament that reinforces your learning. Advanced participants train in Public Forum Debate, mirroring high school formats, and compete in the NW Forensics League’s fall tournament. This program provides a solid foundation in debate, civility, structured reasoning, and persuasive communication, making it an ideal preparation for students aspiring to high school debate or leadership roles.
Location:Â One Day Academy, Kyle, TX
Cost: Tuition varies by campus (approx. $250–$300 per semester)
Program Dates:Â Begins in the fall and continues through the spring
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until class sections are full
Eligibility: Ages 12–14 | Middle school students with an interest in rhetoric or debate
This introductory course blends public speaking, debate, and mock trial for middle school students, offering a practical foundation in rhetoric and communication. The fall term emphasizes speechwriting and delivery, where you compose and present both informative and persuasive speeches to refine confidence and clarity. In later terms, you will progress to debate research, argumentation, and Lincoln-Douglas format practice, followed by mock trial simulations involving cross-examinations and legal reasoning. Each unit develops analytical thinking, structured reasoning, and presentation fluency, providing a strong foundation for advanced speech and mock trial opportunities in high school.
Location:Â Plainsboro, NJ (in-person) and online
Cost:Â Varies by level and format (free assessment offered)
Program Dates: September–November (weekly sessions during the fall term)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling | Placement based on free assessment
Eligibility: Middle school students (Grades 6–8) interested in public speaking and leadership development
The Confident Communicator Program helps students overcome stage fright, build self-assurance, and refine their communication skills through a structured, six-step curriculum that blends neuroscience and communication theory. You will engage in guided speech practice, group discussions, and feedback-driven exercises that strengthen your voice modulation, body language, and persuasive communication skills. You will also explore public speaking platforms, volunteering opportunities, and college preparation projects to apply your learning in real-world settings. Each term concludes with opportunities to deliver speeches or lead presentations, allowing you to track measurable growth in confidence and clarity.
Location:Â Online and in-person (California-based)
Cost:Â Tuition-based | Varies by courseÂ
Program Dates:Â Vary by course
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until classes are full
Eligibility: Grades 6–12 | Beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks available
Discourse Power offers fall-term speech and debate programs designed to strengthen your public speaking, reasoning, and argumentation skills. As a middle school student, you can enrol in SPAR Debate or Public Speaking programs, where you’ll participate in weekly sessions and guided practice hours to master speech structure, delivery, and refutation techniques. Classes are led by experienced coaches who emphasize teamwork, structured reasoning, and persuasive communication. Advanced students progress to Lincoln-Douglas or Public Forum debate formats, applying their learning through mock tournaments and structured exchanges. The curriculum builds critical thinking and articulation through practical, hands-on speaking exercises in supportive group settings.
Location:Â Speech & Debate Institute, San Marino, CA
Cost: $960–$1,235 per termÂ
Program Dates: August 18–December 15
Application Deadline: Rolling until class sections are full | Limited to 8–9 students per class
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 | 8th graders may join high school-level advanced classes
The Middle School Speech & Debate program develops public speaking confidence, analytical reasoning, and research ability through structured debate and speech formats. You’ll engage in impromptu, informative, and persuasive speaking, learn event formats like Original Oratory and Extemporaneous Speaking, and prepare to compete in local and regional tournaments. Small cohorts ensure personalized coaching and feedback to refine delivery, logic, and body language. As debate-focused students, you will practice Parliamentary and Lincoln-Douglas structures, developing evidence-based arguments and rebuttals through guided exercises. With dedicated coaches and weekly instruction, this program builds a comprehensive foundation in both academic and competitive speaking.
Location:Â 1106 Commonwealth Ave and 65 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA | Online
Cost: $490 for an 8-week term ($950 for a 16-week session) + book fee of $50–$100
Program Dates:Â Fall terms begin in September and November
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until class capacity is reached
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 (middle school students) | No prior experience required
The A+ Program’s Public Speaking & Presentation Workshop trains middle school students to express ideas with clarity and confidence. Through guided exercises, you will learn to craft persuasive speeches, structure arguments, and present them effectively, utilising visuals and technology. Each class develops key presentation techniques, such as eye contact, pacing, poise, and articulation, while encouraging students to think critically about audience engagement. The workshop also integrates debate modules, teaching you to support claims with evidence and respond to opposing viewpoints. Students leave the program equipped to handle academic presentations, competitions, and leadership settings with confidence and composure.
Location:Â Cupertino, CA (in-person) and online nationwide
Cost:Â Not specified publicly; varies by level and format (financial aid not mentioned)
Program Dates: September 7–May 28 (weekly classes; both in-person and online options)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until full (applications open January 5)
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 | Middle schoolers can join Levels 3–5 | No prior experience required
The YG National Speech & Debate Academy offers a year-round public speaking and debate curriculum designed for students aged 11–16. Middle schoolers train in Congressional Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Original Oratory, gaining structured practice in research, delivery, rebuttal, and spontaneous argumentation. Classes are divided into progressive levels to match experience, ensuring steady growth in confidence, clarity, and critical thinking. You’ll also have the opportunity to compete in local and national tournaments, allowing you to apply learned techniques in real settings. With both in-person and online options, the academy provides one of the most comprehensive fall-to-spring debate ecosystems in the country.
Location:Â Online
Cost:Â $475
Dates: August–December
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions | Capped at 15 students per section
Eligibility: Grades 6–8
This one-semester course introduces middle school students to the foundational skills required for effective public speaking through weekly instruction and structured practice. You analyze short readings, examine communication models, and complete iterative writing and speaking exercises that build toward more polished speeches. The curriculum covers topic selection, organization of ideas, and methods for supporting claims with clear evidence, along with guidance on adapting speaking style for different audiences. Assignments include a demonstrative speech, an informational speech, an expository speech, and a persuasive speech, with the option to explore epideictic oratory if time allows. Class sessions include peer feedback, instructor-led critique, and repeated opportunities to present in a supportive setting that emphasizes clarity and audience engagement.
Location:Â Online (via Outschool)
Cost:Â Approx. $170 for eight sessions
Program Dates:Â Multiple cohorts available between November and February
Application Deadline: Rolling | 9–12 students per class
Eligibility: Grades 5–8 (Ages 9–14)
This award-winning two-month online program introduces middle schoolers to the fundamentals of public speaking, debate, and structured communication. Led by Professor Erik Fogel, a debate educator and founder of the NYC Urban Debate League, the course combines interactive lectures, fun activities, and feedback-driven practice. You will learn speech delivery, persuasive writing, argument construction, and refutation techniques, culminating in mini-tournaments for both speech and debate. Each participant receives individualized verbal and written feedback after every session to strengthen both confidence and performance. Perfect for beginners or shy speakers looking to find their voice while developing critical thinking and presentation skills.
Location:Â San Jose, CA (with additional Bay Area locations + online options)
Cost:Â Varies by course (paid program)
Program Dates: Fall sessions (weekly classes across October–December; exact dates vary by course)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 5–8, depending on course (public speaking, debate, mock trial, writing)
Communication Academy offers structured fall public speaking and debate programs with small class sizes (maximum 12 students), allowing middle schoolers to practice speaking, argumentation, and presentation skills in a focused weekly format. You will learn foundational techniques, such as vocal projection, speech organization, and audience engagement, through courses like Expository Speaking, Confident Debate, and Mock Trial. The program uses regular practice speeches, impromptu activities, and peer evaluations to help you build confidence through repetition and feedback. Debate courses introduce argument frameworks, evidence gathering, and claim-warrant-impact structures that prepare you for competitive debate or academic presentations.
Location:Â Online | In-person in the Bay Area (CA) and Boston (MA)
Cost:Â Varies by course | Paid fall programs
Program Dates:Â Fall sessions beginning in September (weekly classes; schedule varies by track)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling until classes are full
Eligibility:Â Middle school students | Open to all regardless of school affiliation
The Rose Debate Institute’s Fall Programs offer middle school students a structured, skill-intensive introduction to public speaking, competitive speech, and debate. Students participate in weekly sessions that focus on argumentation, speech delivery, impromptu speaking, and confidence-building exercises designed for young speakers. The curriculum combines foundational public speaking instruction with practical application, providing you with repeated opportunities to perform, receive structured feedback, and refine your communication skills. You can opt for introductory public speaking, debate tracks, or competitive speech clubs, depending on your comfort level and experience. With both online and in-person options, the program offers a flexible and supportive environment for you to strengthen communication skills throughout the fall season.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Lumiere Education logo