All Chicago public schools are doing physics in 9th grade now. It's under the idea that physics (9th) and chemistry (10th) will make the biology (11th) more in depth and understandable. I'm trying to just go with the flow - all of idp's school stuff is completely the opposite of how my education was, but so far it's going OK.
They can only take general or honors physics, not AP. They can't take the AP until 10th (even the most accelerated). We don't have Regents, so there are just the 2 choices for 9th. The high schools that Idp will apply to only have honors classes, so she's required to take honors physics in 9th. [emoji15]
In idp's case, she'll have algebra, geometry, and some trig before 9th, so I think she'll have a leg up. Most of them are in algebra in 9th . I really couldn't get a straight answer when I asked how that works. He just said it works, and they learn the math they need.
Considering the city is operating at a 50% graduation rate, I'm not so sure it's working, but that's a bigger problem than just physics I guess!
My daughter's school uses all flipped classrooms. When they first started, it was a huge adjustment (especially since some of the teachers took it to mean, "Use a computer. No more teaching required! Wooo hooooooo!")
It really seems to work well now. The kids work at their own pace and get a lot out of it. I'm astonished at how far Idp has come in the past year in most subjects!
***For all of you struggling with physics now: I hear you, the struggle is so real. But you know... My sister even failed it, and went on to get a bachelor's degree in neurobiology and animal science from an ivy league school, and she is extremely successful now. So keep on keepin' on! There is light at the end of the physics tunnel!