2026 AP Physics Results
3ICMS students took an AP Physics exam
Scored a 4 or 5 · every student
Score by exam
| Exam | Score |
|---|---|
| AP Physics 1 | 5 |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | 4 |
| AP Physics C: E&M | 4 |
A small group this year, so we show every score. National figure: share of all students scoring a 4 or 5 across these three exams, College Board, 2026 AP Score Distributions (preliminary). See results for all subjects → Estimate your AP score →
Physics Is a Picture Before It Is a Formula
Every formula in AP Physics describes something you can draw: a force, an energy transfer, a field. Students who can draw the situation first choose the right equation almost every time. Students who start by searching for a formula usually run out of formulas by the second semester.
Where Students Get Stuck: Forces, Energy, Rotation
Most AP Physics mistakes are not math mistakes. They happen before the math starts, in the picture of what is pushing on what. These three areas are where we spend the most time, in Physics 1 and again at the calculus level in Physics C.
Two Ways to Learn
Choose a Preview Class to learn AP Physics before school teaches it, or a Grade Maintenance Class to keep up with the course your child is taking now. An AP Physics Preview Class usually starts in the summer, before the school year begins.
In person or online, from anywhere
At our Fullerton center, or live on Zoom. More than 40% of our students learn live on Zoom, from nearby cities to other states and Canada.
Fall, spring, and summer
Classes run from fall through spring, plus an 8-week summer intensive.
Missed a class?
Missed group classes can be made up with the Zoom recording. See our FAQ for details.
Your class schedule
Class times are shared after your consultation with a director.
Who Teaches AP Physics
Our AP Physics teachers come from astrophysics, engineering, applied mathematics, and the high school physics classroom.
Dr. Yuzo Ishikawa
Astrophysicist · 5+ years of teaching · Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Johns Hopkins University · B.A. in Astrophysics & Physics, UC Berkeley
Dr. Patrick Rhee
17+ years of teaching · AMC & AIME competition prep · Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan · M.S., Stanford
Leon Kim
14+ years of teaching · M.S. in Mathematics, Cal State Long Beach · B.S. in Applied Mathematics & Physics
Jacob
17+ years of teaching · Former high school teacher (11 years) · M.A. in Teaching, University of Portland · B.S. in Bioengineering
Narciso Emanuel Sandico
7+ years of teaching · M.S. in Statistics and B.A. in Mathematics, Cal State Fullerton
David Kaldenbach
20+ years of teaching · National Board Certified Teacher · Former high school math teacher and online AP Physics teacher · M.Ed., Texas Wesleyan University
Alvin Chang
3+ years of teaching · B.S. in Biochemistry, UC San Diego · M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, USC (expected 2026)
What Families Say
In the words of ICMS parents and students.
My son started taking AP Physics a few months ago, and he had a very hard time. … Then we met Teacher Leon, who teaches physics at ICMS, and he helped my son understand the basic concepts much better. Now, my son feels much more confident and really enjoys studying physics with him. He also helps students build strong problem-solving skills through a variety of practice problems and prepares them very well for AP Physics tests.
Sunghee P. · Parent
아이가 주니어 끝나고 공대 간다고 해서 찾은 학원입니다. 학원 찾기 힘든 소도시에 살아서 여름방학 동안 온라인 수업으로 들었어요. 수학·물리가 많이 부족한 상태에서 Calculus AB를 스킵할 수 있게 도와주시고 BC까지 선행해서, 시니어 때 수학을 무사히 끝내고 Physics C까지 책임감 있게 도와주셨습니다. 덕분에 좋은 공대에 다 합격할 수 있었습니다.
Y. M. · Parent
AP Physics Questions
Common questions from parents.
Which AP Physics course should my child take?
AP Physics 1 is algebra-based and is usually the first physics course, covering mechanics and fluids. AP Physics 2 continues with thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. AP Physics C: Mechanics and C: Electricity & Magnetism are calculus-based, and students usually take them alongside or after AP Calculus. Students aiming for engineering or physical science majors often take Physics C in 11th or 12th grade. In the free consultation we look at your child’s math level and school plan and recommend the course that fits.
Does my child need calculus for AP Physics?
Not for Physics 1 or 2; algebra and some trigonometry are enough. Physics C uses derivatives and integrals, so students should be taking AP Calculus AB or BC at the same time, or have finished it. Mechanics works well alongside calculus; for E&M, which leans on integration from the first unit, having calculus already done helps. We teach AP Calculus too, so the two courses can be coordinated.
When should my child start AP Physics tutoring?
Many families start in the summer with an AP Physics Preview Class, so the school year is spent understanding the material instead of catching up. Others join during the year, often when forces or rotation start to feel confusing. Either way, a free reasoning assessment shows us where to begin.
Do you follow my child’s school syllabus?
In a Grade Maintenance Class, yes. We follow your child’s own syllabus, homework, and test dates. A Preview Class moves through the AP course a step ahead of the school calendar.
Is it in person or online?
Both. Classes meet at our Fullerton center or live on Zoom with the same teachers. More than 40% of our students learn live on Zoom, from nearby cities to other states and Canada.
From First Call to First Class
Three simple steps, with no obligation to enroll.
No long-term contracts. Enroll in the way that works for your family.
Ready to Get Started?
Give Your Child More Than Answers
Book a free consultation. We’ll show you how we teach the why — and recommend the best path forward for your child.
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