Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:21     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Does this end up. Hurting college outcomes for kids who start with algebra 2 in tj as freshmen?
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 15:06     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
The prerequisite for physics courses across FCPS, not just at TJ, is completion of Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. Incoming freshmen are now eligible to take Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 concurrently at TJ if they will also be in Precalculus or higher. This would allow them to take Physics as a sophomore. However everyone must take Physics no later than their junior year. First-year options include AP Physics 1 (coreq Precalc), AP Physics C Mechanics (coreq AP Calculus AB), and AP Physics C Mechanics/Electricity & Magnetism (accelerated course, coreq AP Calculus BC).
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 10:15     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Joined tj from aps where geometry is highest level math. Dc is in algebra 2 and will do preface bc next year. he is locked out from physics and all higher math courses until he finishes calc bc in junior year.
Other kids on this path- does this effectively prevent you from being in the top percentiles at tj ( assuming grades are maintenance) He is not allowed to take summer courses as well.


About 65% or 2/3rd of the class starts in Algebra 2, around 15% start in Precalculus, and the remaining 20% start in Geometry. Most students follow the path of Algebra 2 in freshman year, Precalc BC in sophomore year, and Calc BC in junior year, and a good number take Multivariable/Linear in senior year.

Starting this year's class, thanks to the new principal, anyone can take physics in sophomore year alongside precalc or higher math. The older path of taking Physics C alongside Calc BC in junior (now allowed in sophomore year) is still available. The highest level of physics is Quantum & Electrodynamics, an elective now available for both juniors and seniors.

https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/flow-chart-science-and-technology-courses-tj

Why is HN Chemistry a prerequisite for Physics 1? Math as prereq is common, but what chemistry concepts are required to learn basic physics mechanics topics?
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 15:37     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
What was your oldest child college outcome. Do you feel this will limit your younger child’s trajectory?
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 14:24     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Our counselor told us physics 1 is no longer an option in sophomore yearl. Is this wrong?


PP had it correct. "Starting this year's class, thanks to the new principal, anyone can take physics in sophomore year alongside precalc or higher math. The older path of taking Physics C alongside Calc BC in junior (now allowed in sophomore year) is still available." Please see the flowchart, HN Chem is a prerequisite for Physics 1.


Yes so unless it's available this summer, you had to have arranged to take it this past year. Even if it's available this summer, my child would rather take PE over the summer, so I think he'll stick with BC + AP Physics C junior year. He's in A2 now. Honestly it's very difficult to really accelerate your child to have had A2 in 8th grade. My oldest child did but this kid didn't because of moving. It's fine. This is still really advanced. Many students across the US don't have in-person access to calculus at all, our kids are taking it junior year.
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 14:23     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
There are now going to be two physics AP courses…one is essentially the same as honors physics and is easier and the other is the AP physics C&EM. You can take both! The harder one is usually done concurrently with BC calc as a junior or in senior year after BC. Parents of older TJ students— a lot is changing for next year in terms of courses and sequencing so what happiness the past may now be outdated/incorrect. (Not that your advice is not important all the same! Shoutout to supportive TJ community!)
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 13:11     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:Joined tj from aps where geometry is highest level math. Dc is in algebra 2 and will do preface bc next year. he is locked out from physics and all higher math courses until he finishes calc bc in junior year.
Other kids on this path- does this effectively prevent you from being in the top percentiles at tj ( assuming grades are maintenance) He is not allowed to take summer courses as well.

TJ summer courses usually aren't confirmed until closer to summer start. They kept citing teacher availability, sufficient demand, etc. But if enough parents make the case and keeping asking they may end up offering them. Not sure how things work now with most science courses recently restructured. Honors Chem, CS foundations, and one of the older semester math were consistently offered until recent years.
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 11:55     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:Our counselor told us physics 1 is no longer an option in sophomore yearl. Is this wrong?


PP had it correct. "Starting this year's class, thanks to the new principal, anyone can take physics in sophomore year alongside precalc or higher math. The older path of taking Physics C alongside Calc BC in junior (now allowed in sophomore year) is still available." Please see the flowchart, HN Chem is a prerequisite for Physics 1.
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 11:00     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Our counselor told us physics 1 is no longer an option in sophomore yearl. Is this wrong?
Anonymous
Post 01/11/2026 00:37     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:Joined tj from aps where geometry is highest level math. Dc is in algebra 2 and will do preface bc next year. he is locked out from physics and all higher math courses until he finishes calc bc in junior year.
Other kids on this path- does this effectively prevent you from being in the top percentiles at tj ( assuming grades are maintenance) He is not allowed to take summer courses as well.


About 65% or 2/3rd of the class starts in Algebra 2, around 15% start in Precalculus, and the remaining 20% start in Geometry. Most students follow the path of Algebra 2 in freshman year, Precalc BC in sophomore year, and Calc BC in junior year, and a good number take Multivariable/Linear in senior year.

Starting this year's class, thanks to the new principal, anyone can take physics in sophomore year alongside precalc or higher math. The older path of taking Physics C alongside Calc BC in junior (now allowed in sophomore year) is still available. The highest level of physics is Quantum & Electrodynamics, an elective now available for both juniors and seniors.

https://tjhsst.fcps.edu/flow-chart-science-and-technology-courses-tj
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 23:01     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:You can take physics concurrently with calc bc junior year. Being in Alg 2 as a freshman is very much the norm at TJ.


+1 to the latter. Your kid is not behind just because they are not at the very front of the pack.

Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 20:42     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
You can take physics concurrently with calc bc junior year. Being in Alg 2 as a freshman is very much the norm at TJ.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 13:51     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Anonymous wrote:Joined tj from aps where geometry is highest level math. Dc is in algebra 2 and will do preface bc next year. he is locked out from physics and all higher math courses until he finishes calc bc in junior year.
Other kids on this path- does this effectively prevent you from being in the top percentiles at tj ( assuming grades are maintenance) He is not allowed to take summer courses as well.


No, starting with algebra 2 is fine.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 12:35     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Precalc not preface
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2026 12:34     Subject: TJ parents with algebra 2 freshmen help!
Joined tj from aps where geometry is highest level math. Dc is in algebra 2 and will do preface bc next year. he is locked out from physics and all higher math courses until he finishes calc bc in junior year.
Other kids on this path- does this effectively prevent you from being in the top percentiles at tj ( assuming grades are maintenance) He is not allowed to take summer courses as well.