CCHS reports progress on equity goals in coursework

Concord-Carlisle Regional School District officials presented an update on Concord-Carlisle High School's equity efforts at the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, according to Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter and Co-Principals Brian Miller and Katie Stahl.

The presentation covered results from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, progress in expanding access to advanced coursework, fall initiatives and future priorities. It also noted CCHS's recognition as a Challenge Success Spotlight School for its work supporting student well-being.

The effort traces back to a review of 2023-24 student achievement and enrollment data, which found that Black and low-income students were less likely to enroll in honors-level English despite earning grades similar to their peers. Social studies lacked an honors option, and lower-level math did not lead to Advanced Placement courses, which also limited access to upper-level science.

In response, the school added honors-level coursework in social studies and AP coursework in English, adjusted math and science course levels, and reviewed prerequisites and course recommendations for potential bias. Staff also created new data-tracking systems and expanded tutoring support.

Data presented at an August 2026 faculty meeting showed enrollment increases for Black and low-income students across science, English, world language and math honors and AP courses between 2023 and 2026. Enrollment in the school's first AP English classes was proportional across student subgroups, and social studies approached proportional honors enrollment.

"We want students to see advanced coursework as an option for them and know they will have support if they decide to take that next step," Miller and Stahl said in the release. "Our teachers and department chairs have put a great deal of work into making that possible."

The release also noted that 46 students are taking part in CCHS's first year of concurrent enrollment through the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership, taking sociology or anatomy and physiology, with four students enrolled in both.

The spring 2026 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 94% of students reported having a trusted adult at CCHS and 98% reported having one outside school, with students also reporting more sleep than in previous years.

Source: Concord-Carlisle Regional School District announcement, October 16, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.