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School committee approves adding AP Physics 1 to program of studies; families of 13 enrolled students to be notified
Summary
Pembroke approved an amendment to the high school program of studies to add AP Physics 1 (algebra‑based) for 2025–26 and to communicate to 13 students enrolled in AP Physics C that AP Physics C will not be offered this year.
The Pembroke School Committee on Aug. 5 voted 5–0 to approve an amendment to the high school program of studies that adds AP Physics 1 (an algebra‑based AP course) to the curriculum and notifies families that AP Physics C (calculus‑based) will not be offered for the 2025–26 school year.
Marybeth (last name not specified) and Jonathan Shapiro, the district’s STEM content supervisor, provided a comparison of AP Physics C and AP Physics 1. Shapiro told the committee the primary difference is mathematics: AP Physics 1 is algebra‑based while AP Physics C is calculus‑based. He also reviewed unit‑by‑unit content and noted the courses overlap substantially in topics covered.
The high school currently has 13 students enrolled in AP Physics C; the administration said it will contact those students and their families this month to explain the change and discuss alternatives. The meeting packet described staff availability and certification: the district does not have a teacher currently certified to teach AP Physics C, but it does have a teacher trained to teach AP Physics 1 and that teacher is pursuing AP Physics C training over time.
Superintendent Erin said the district had posted the physics position earlier this summer and that no applicants with AP Physics C training applied during the initial posting period. The administration recommended adding AP Physics 1 to the program of studies now, leaving AP Physics C in the catalog as a course that could be offered in future years when staffing and certification allow.
Committee members asked about college acceptance of AP Physics 1 credits; the administration said colleges vary and that published listings on the College Board and on individual college websites are not always consistent.
Why it matters: the change affects students planning course sequences for STEM majors and requires outreach to families to preserve students’ pathways where possible. The committee approved the amendment to allow staff to begin outreach immediately.
