The East Meets West Q5 learned and practiced Chinese calligraphy. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — While many high school students spend the final days of the school year cleaning out lockers and counting down to summer vacation, students at Concord-Carlisle High School spend them exploring new interests, serving their communities and learning in ways that extend beyond the building’s walls.
For the final four days of the school year, Concord-Carlisle High School once again transformed its traditional schedule into Quarter 5, or Q5, a unique experiential learning program that allows students to choose their own ungraded courses built around topics that spark their interest.
More than 60 faculty-led courses were offered this year, allowing students to select two experiences based on their interests. The offerings included lifeguard training, understanding personality traits, logic puzzle and games, abstract expressionism, CRISPR gene editing, local history, athletics and outdoor adventure, with many courses taking students throughout Concord, Carlisle, Boston and beyond.
“We believe that meaningful learning can happen in many different ways and settings, and Q5 is a direct reflection of that,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “This gives students the opportunity to explore new interests and engage with the broader community. It is a memorable way to conclude the school year while reinforcing skills that will serve students for years to come.”
Throughout Q5, students explored interests that extended far beyond the traditional high school curriculum.
Some students traveled New England, visiting colleges including Merrimack College, Assumption University and Worcester State University while learning about higher education opportunities. Others paddled the Concord River and White Pond, hiked local trails and explored Boston on foot.
Several creative courses invited students to try their hand at jewelry making, Nantucket basket weaving, friendship bracelets, puppet making, Chinese calligraphy and international cooking, where students prepared dishes from around the world, including homemade sushi.
Students interested in science participated in biotechnology experiences, using microscopes, micropipettes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology while learning about CRISPR gene editing. Others explored engineering concepts by disassembling vintage video game consoles to better understand how they function.
Students toured historic venues like Boston’s Wang Theatre, examined local and national history through urban walking tours and the Black Heritage Trail, participated in yoga classes that included visits from therapy animals, and collaborated with local organizations throughout Concord and Carlisle.
For students seeking something entirely different, Q5 also offered courses on New England true crime, coffeehouse culture, outdoor accessibility, sewing, upcycling your wardrobe and the popular Amazing Race course, where students traveled throughout Concord, Carlisle, Boston and Wachusett Mountain while completing collaborative challenges centered on teamwork and problem-solving.
“I really enjoyed getting to know this group of students better,” said Co-Principal Brian Miller, who led the course alongside Co-Principal Katie Stahl. “Q5 gives students and faculty an opportunity to connect on a more personal level than we often can during the regular school day. Watching students challenge themselves, support one another and engage with members of the community has been incredibly rewarding.”
Although the Amazing Race drew students across eastern and central Massachusetts, many Q5 experiences took place on campus, where students explored specialized topics that are not typically part of the academic curriculum.
Q5 courses are ungraded. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, try something unfamiliar and learn simply for the enjoyment of learning. The program also creates opportunities for students from different grade levels and social circles to build new friendships while working alongside faculty members they may not otherwise have in class.
In an end-of-program survey, more than 90% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they made a positive new connection with either another student or a teacher during Q5.
“The variety of experiences is what makes Q5 so special,” said Co-Principal Stahl. “Every student can find something that sparks their curiosity. Whether they’re conducting science experiments, creating art, exploring the outdoors or discovering a potential college campus, they’re learning in ways that differ from a traditional end-of-year schedule.”
Q5 was first introduced at Concord-Carlisle High School in 2018 and quickly became a favorite tradition. The program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning in 2025.
“We’re thrilled to see students embrace everything Q5 has to offer,” said Q5 Coordinator Laurie Fortunato. “Whether students are discovering a new hobby, developing practical skills or simply stepping outside of their comfort zones, they’re creating experiences that will stay with them long after the school year ends.”
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The Stand Up Paddleboarding Q5 traveled down the Concord River from Lowell Road, under the Old North Bridge to Great Meadows. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
Super Smash Bros,, Guitar Hero Superheroes and Wii Golf were among the games played in the Retro Video Games Q5. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
The Amazing Race Q5 crew enjoyed an adventure at Wachusett Mountain, traveling from Concord via commuter rail and local ski buses. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)