During the first semester the students learn about motion, forces, momentum, energy, and waves. The class is organized around a standard introductory college level textbook, Physics by Douglas C. Giancoli. This course emphasizes applying physics concepts to problems that require extensive calculations. The bulk of class time is devoted to lectures and homework review. Students demonstrate their mastery of the material on tests.

During the second semester students learn about electrostatics, electromagnetism, and optics. Throughout the year labs are introduced to reinforce new concepts and give students real world contact with the course content. At the end of the term students complete an independent research project and present their results at the school’s Science Fair.