Free, personal coaching in debate & public speaking for middle schoolers — one focused hour, one-on-one, every week. We turn nervous kids into confident communicators, one argument at a time.
Learning to argue well teaches kids to think clearly, listen carefully, and speak up for what they believe. We don't think a skill that important should sit behind a paywall — so Vortex is free, online, and open to any middle schooler ready to find their voice.
Start with the basics of speaking and reasoning, then explore the major debate styles to find the one that clicks.
Most of our students start from zero. We meet every kid where they are and build from the ground up.
Start hereTwo-person teams debate the news in plain language. The friendliest place to begin.
Team · current eventsOne-on-one debates about values and big ideas: fairness, freedom, right and wrong.
Solo · philosophyDeep research and evidence on one big question — for kids who love going deep.
Research · evidenceTopics announced with little prep — pure quick thinking and poise under pressure.
Improv · quick prepVoice, posture, pacing, eye contact, and beating the nerves — the foundation under every format.
Confidence · presenceEvery student gets their own coach for a private weekly hour online. A parent registers — no student accounts, no hassle.
A two-minute form: your name and email, your child's first name and grade. That's all we collect.
We pair your child with their coach and lock in a weekly one-hour time that works for your family, then email a secure link.
One focused hour each week — just your child and their coach, with a parent always welcome to sit in or observe.
Personalized drills, mock debates, and real feedback help your child level up week over week — and have fun doing it.
So there's no surprise once classes begin: your child's coach is a high-school freshman and passionate debater who volunteers their time — which is exactly why the program is free. A responsible adult oversees all safety, privacy, and legal matters.
We follow established youth-protection practices, and our full Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct are available to every family.
Have a question? Ask usRegistration is free and takes two minutes. A parent just fills out a short form and we'll be in touch with the schedule.
Register your child — free Prefer email? Reach us at ishaan.halgeri@gmail.comYour child's coach is a high-school freshman who is an experienced, passionate debater and volunteers their time. That's exactly why the program is free. A responsible adult supervises the program and handles all safety, privacy, and legal matters. We want this clear up front so there are no surprises once sessions begin.
Completely. Vortex Speech & Debate is volunteer-run, and there's no cost to families now or ever.
Students in grades 5–8 (roughly ages 10–14). Because coaching is one-on-one, every session is tailored to your child's exact age and level.
One student, one coach, one hour — every week, online. The coach tailors each session to your child, with a parent always welcome to be present.
Not at all. Most of our students are brand new to debate. We start with the fundamentals.
A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet spot to join. That's it.
Sessions are one-on-one, and we encourage a parent or guardian to be present or nearby. We use secure video with waiting rooms and passwords, can record sessions on request, keep all communication through parents, and a responsible adult oversees the program. See the "For parents" section for details.
