Prnt2LL

Our HS offers the standard biology->chemistry->physics track and prerequistes in that order as well. AP Physics is for B. (Additional contents will be handed out if one wants to take C exam). DS finished pre-calc last year and will become a freshman next year. I am trying to ask the school if they will let him do AP Physics -> (honors or AP) biology and honors chemistry->AP Chem, so that he does not have to wait several years to apply the math to physics. By reading the contents in the course description, it appears doable to me. Is this take viable/reasonable? I don't want to present some unreasonable option in my discussion with the school.
Also, he is not interested in doing research in biological or medical field. He likes the topic in AP Biology, but neither he nor I want him to take an AP class for the sake of having AP showing up on his transcript. The teacher does encourage him taking AP Biology, because it will be a more engaging peer group, even compared to the student body taking honors class. What will be your take?
TIA for any advice.

stressedouttt

if he likes AP Biology, it's not taking an AP class just to show up on his transcript. taking an AP class just to look good refers to situations where a person has no interest in the subject. even if he doesn't plan to pursue it, it's not a waste of time to learn it.

as long as your son still takes math classes, he shouldn't forget the math. there's no reason for him to take ap physics so early.

CE527M

I don`t know if that`s the best idea. I know a guy in one of my classes who took Pre-Calc in 8th grade, and he`s not doing anything like that, and is doing great. He took Bio freshman year, and is now taking an AP Bio/Honors Chemistry class this year, and I assume he`ll probably do AP Physics next year, and he seems fine with that.

rspence

I took AP Physics C (Mechanics) before taking AP Chemistry...so it's quite doable. Might want to check if your HS allows that.

ArtsyGirl13

One of my good friends took pre-calc in 9th grade, but held off taking AP physics until 11th grade (which is still a year early at my school where the science track for honors students is bio, then chem, then physics, then AP physics and/or AP bio). Personally I believe it makes more sense to wait. He will just continue to improve his math skills as he waits, allowing him to truly focus on and learn the concepts of physics as opposed to focussing on the math. Taking the classes in the standard order just makes sense, also each year they require more math (again a good thing as one learns more math).