Debate
Where Confident Voices Rise and Arguments Make an Impact
At Marlborough, debate is more than an extracurricular—it’s a nationally ranked program and a training ground for tomorrow’s changemakers. In our girls learning environment, students don’t just find their voice; they refine it, elevate it, and learn to use it powerfully. They become persuasive speakers, incisive thinkers, and empathetic leaders—ready to engage with the world around them and shape it for the better.
What Sets Marlborough Debate Apart
Marlborough’s Lincoln-Douglas Debate program challenges students to engage with complex questions about justice, equity, and the role of government through one-on-one, values-driven competition. Along the way, they build essential skills in argumentation, research, and public speaking—while developing empathy, perspective, and confidence.
But debate at Marlborough goes beyond competition. It’s about cultivating thoughtful, articulate leaders who approach ideas with curiosity, challenge assumptions with respect, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
Students compete in local and national tournaments, preparing both sides of ethical and philosophical resolutions. Weekly practices, team collaboration, and independent preparation create a dynamic learning environment where students grow as individuals and as teammates.
A Program Built on Excellence
Marlborough Debate is nationally recognized for its strength and impact. Most recently, the team was awarded the 2023–2024 Leading Chapter Award from the National Speech and Debate Association—the highest honor a school can receive. This distinction, granted to only 107 schools nationwide, reflects years of outstanding achievement and participation by Marlborough students. It’s a testament to the program’s deep-rooted commitment to skill-building, mentorship, and competition at the highest level.
The Girls' School Advantage
Research shows that girls in single-gender schools are more likely to speak up, lead discussions, and challenge ideas—and you’ll see that in every Marlborough debate classroom and competition. With the support of expert coaches and a collaborative, intellectually charged setting, students feel empowered to take intellectual risks and explore complex global issues through argumentation and dialogue. These experiences not only sharpen their public speaking and critical thinking skills, but also build the confidence to lead in any room they enter.
Debate - By The Numbers (2023-2024)
2,288
Rounds debated
3,432
Hours of competitive debating
80
Tournaments attended across 9 states and 16 cities
30
bids earned by 10 debaters... more than any other Lincoln-Douglas team in the United States
26%
of all Lincoln-Douglas Tournament of Champion Bids earned by girls were earned by Marlborough debaters
103
Speaker awards
13
Tournaments won
12
Top speaker awards