Pembroke shifts AP Physics C to AP Physics 1; online dual-enrollment offered to affected students

Pembroke School Committee members were told Aug. 19 that the district will substitute AP Physics 1 for AP Physics C (Mechanics) for the 2025–26 school year while providing an online dual-enrollment option for students who want the more advanced mechanics course.

Administrators said they have contacted families of the 13 students who enrolled in AP Physics C and offered seats in a dual-enrollment, online course through Massachusetts College of Pharmacy for any students committed to AP Physics C. The online option is asynchronous and runs over 16 weeks; administrators said students have succeeded in similar arrangements previously.

District staff also noted that 31 students are enrolled in honors physics. Once families of the originally enrolled AP Physics C students decide, administrators plan to evaluate honors physics enrollments and may offer AP Physics 1 to qualified honors students. Staff cautioned that scheduling and staffing constraints will determine final placements; if honors sections convert to AP, the district will seek alternatives for students who prefer non-AP options.

Officials said the goal is to support students who want to challenge themselves while balancing resources and scheduling conflicts across a large suite of AP offerings. Administrators also said they hope to restore AP Physics C to the program of studies in future years if staffing and enrollment permit.

What this means: Students who want the mechanics-level content can opt into a district-supported dual-enrollment online course; others will be placed in AP Physics 1 or honors physics depending on enrollment, staffing and scheduling considerations.