Speech & Debate FOR KIDS
The online stage where your child transforms into a confident speaker, critical thinker, and future leader.
Why Parents Say “YES” to This League
This isn’t just a competition. It’s a confidence breakthrough.
FOR THE SHY CHILD
The spark to finally speak up.
FOR THE OUTSPOKEN CHILD
The challenge that sharpens leadership.
FOR EVERY CHILD
The first step toward fearless communication.
One stage. One voice. Your child’s transformation begins here.
What Your Child Misses If They Don't Compete
Speaking under real-time pressure
A ticking clock and a buzzer at 30 seconds builds composure no school assignment can replicate.
NSDA-style competition exposure
Their peers are already in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional. This is your child's first stage.
A Speech Prep Guide that builds skill
Every registrant gets the 98thPercentile Speech Prep Guide — structure, samples, grade-appropriate topics.
A credential they can own
Champions earn a titled 98thPercentile Speech & Debate Champion credential — academic recognition.
How the Championship Works
Modelled on NSDA. Two champions per group.
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION
SUMMER EXCLUSIVE 2 Weeks Free ($100 Value)
Register for the Championship and your child gets 2 free weeks of live classes in any program — Math, ELA, Coding, or Public Speaking. A head start that helps them move a grade ahead faster. Open to the first 50 summer registrations.
10 DAYS BEFORE · JULY 1
Receive Your Topic + Speech Prep Guide
Topic with 2-3 angles + the 98thPercentile Speech Prep Guide arrive in your inbox. Your child's prep playbook, delivered early.
SATURDAY, JULY 11 · BY GRADE GROUP
Lightning Tournament · 90 Minutes · Live on Zoom
Group 1 (Grades 3-5): 10:30 AM CST. Group 2 (Grades 6-8): 12:30 PM CST. Every child speaks. Two rounds, top performers advance.
WITHIN 48 HOURS
Results + Champions Announced
All scores verified and winners announced via email within 48 hours. Champions contacted directly by a 98thPercentile counselor to claim their scholarship.
Every Child Wins Something
Every Child Wins Something
Scholarships. Titled credentials. Recognition.
Speech & Debate Champion
Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8 groups
- 100% Scholarship — any 98thPercentile 12-week program
- Speech & Debate Champion 2026 — digital certificate
- Featured on 98thPercentile social
Speech & Debate Runner-Up
Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8 groups
- 80% Scholarship — any 98thPercentile 12-week program
- Speech & Debate Runner-Up 2026 — digital certificate
- Featured on 98thPercentile social
Participation Certificate
Every registered child who competes
- Official Participant — Speech & Debate for Kids 2026
- Free Scholarship Test + 2 Weeks of Free Classes
- Speech Prep Guide with sample speeches
- Priority access to future events
Scholarship Terms & Conditions: Scholarships apply to any 98thPercentile 12-week program — Math, ELA, Coding, or Public Speaking. Winner picks the program. Valid for new enrolments only and cannot be combined with other offers. Must be redeemed within 15 days of the event.
Ready to put your child on the board?
What Families Are Saying
Real reviews from Indian-American families across the US.
"My daughter started her ELA class, and we're really happy with the progress she's made. She has started using bigger words in daily conversations. It's been great seeing her confidence grow."
"My teacher uses games to teach each topic, and incorporates real-world examples. It has been really engaging and interactive, and I now want to go to class more. I have improved a lot at ELA in school."
"The 98th percentile classes have always been wonderful. They cover different areas of English like Vocab, poetry and comprehension. The teacher makes sure every child participates and enjoys."
Join thousands of families who trust 98thPercentile
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this event really free?
Yes. Registration is completely free. Every registered child receives the Speech Prep Guide, a participation certificate, and access to the live 90-minute tournament.
What grades can participate?
Grades 3 through 8. Two age-appropriate groups: Grades 3-5 (10:30 AM CST) and Grades 6-8 (12:30 PM CST).
My child has never competed before. Is this too advanced?
No — this is designed as a first stage. Topics are released 10 days before with a Speech Prep Guide. The 30-second format is short enough that even shy first-timers can deliver a complete speech.
My child gets nervous on camera. Will this stress them out?
Speaking on camera takes practice — and the 30-second format is designed for first-timers. Your child speaks on a topic they have had 10 days to prepare, in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere. Most kids tell us afterward they wish they could go again.
What if my child freezes when the buzzer is about to ring?
The buzzer is part of the format — like a TV show. Even if your child doesn't finish their full speech, they still scored, still earned points, and still participated.
What does my child get to prepare?
Ten days before the event, the speech topic with 2-3 angles to choose from + the 98thPercentile Speech Prep Guide arrive in your inbox. Your child has a full 10 days to prepare a 30-second speech.
How are champions chosen?
Round 1: every child delivers a 30-second speech. Final round: top performers return for a 60-second speech. All scores are verified after the event, and champions are announced via email within 48 hours. Two champions are crowned per group — 1st place and Runner-Up.
Stay connected Never miss an event.
Registration links, event reminders, prep tips, and results — across every platform you use.