FIRST PRINCIPLES.
LASTING MASTERY.
Physics is not the memorization of formulas,
but the art of reasoning from the ground up.
The Standard of Excellence.
Our curriculum is crafted for the motivated mind—those who seek to master the laws of nature. From the rigors of AP Physics to the frontiers of Physics Olympiads, we prepare students not just for exams, but for highly selective STEM trajectories and the world’s most selective universities.
A Tradition of Rigor.
- Deep Conceptual Foundations
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Long-term Progression
- Individualized Mentorship
BASE: 42.4473° N, 71.2272° W
Lexington, Massachusetts | Global Online Studio
Excellence as a Natural Consequence. When physics is taught from first principles, exceptional performance follows naturally. Rather than teaching to the test, we cultivate profound understanding. As a result, our students consistently demonstrate mastery at the highest levels—from achieving perfect AP Physics scores as early as ninth grade, to advancing to the United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO).
Building on these early achievements, our programs follow a rigorous progression—from foundational understanding to advanced mastery across both coursework and competition pathways. We train students to think deeply, solve rigorously, and perform at the highest level.
Recent cohorts of our students have matriculated at institutions including MIT, Harvard, Brown, Cornell, and Dartmouth—and continue to achieve at the highest levels. It is especially rewarding to see alumni thrive in academia; for example, one former student is now a tenure-track assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). See the history in Mandarin Chinese
Advanced Physics Programs
We offer a structured sequence of courses designed to guide students from foundational physics to AP Physics, competition training, and advanced problem solving.
Programs are available in person in Lexington, MA and online globally.
Course I: Foundations of Physical Reasoning
For students entering Grades 7–8
This course develops physical intuition and mathematical modeling skills required for future AP Physics and competition-level physics.
Students learn to think in terms of systems, forces, energy, and models rather than memorizing formulas.
Topics include:
- Motion and forces
- Energy and momentum
- Basic mathematical modeling
- Problem-solving methods
- Introduction to competition-style thinking
Course II: Advanced Mechanics & Electromagnetism
For students entering Grades 9–12
Covers AP Physics 1 and prepares students for AP Physics C.
The goal is not only a score of 5, but a level of understanding sufficient for college-level physics and engineering.
Students develop:
- Conceptual mastery
- Analytical problem solving
- Mathematical reasoning
- Exam readiness
- Preparation for competition track
Course III: Olympiad & Theoretical Physics (\(F=ma\) / USAPhO)
For students interested in physics competitions and Olympiad-level training.
Topics include:
- Advanced mechanics
- Calculus-based physics
- Problem solving techniques
- Mathematical methods
- Olympiad-level questions
Most students enter this track after completing AP Physics 1.
Teaching Philosophy
- Conceptual understanding before memorization
- Modeling before formula
- Reasoning before calculation
- Depth over speed
- Small-group instruction
- Frequent feedback
- Long-term progression planning
Typical Progression
Path A
Grade 7 — Foundations
Grade 8–9 — AP Physics 1
Grade 10 — AP Physics C + \(F=ma\)
Grade 11 — Advanced E&M / USAPhO / Research
Grade 12 — Independent Study / Research / College Physics
Path B
Grade 8 — Foundations / Early Start
Grade 9 — AP Physics 1 + Competition
Grade 10 — AP Physics C + \(F=ma\)
Grade 11 — USAPhO / Advanced Topics / Research
Grade 12 — Independent Research / Post-AP Physics / College Preparation
Physics Program Schedule Overview(Subject to change)
| Physics Program | Format | Summer Schedule | School-Year Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course I: Foundations of Physical Reasoning | Lexington + Online | Sat 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Sat 5:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Course II: Advanced Mechanics & Electromagnetism | Lexington + Online | Mon / Wed 7:00 – 9:00 PM | Wed 7:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Course III: Olympiad & Theoretical Physics | Lexington + Online | Tue 6:30 – 9:30 PM | Tue 6:30 - 9:30 PM |
Physics Competitions & Olympiad Training
At Lexington Physics, students are guided step by step from AP Physics mastery to advanced competition-level problem solving.
Our goal is not only to prepare students for exams, but to develop deep physical intuition, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thinking.
Competition Pathway
US Physics Olympiad Track
- \(F=ma\) Exam (February): First round of the USA Physics Olympiad selection process
- USAPhO (March–April): Invitational national exam
- Physics Camp: Selection for the U.S. Physics Team
High School Competitions
- Physics Bowl (March): International physics competition organized by AAPT
- Invitational contests: Additional training competitions
Research Competitions
- Science Fair / ISEF: Independent or mentored research
- Research projects: Long-term advanced work
Training Approach
Students develop:
- Strong conceptual foundations
- Advanced problem solving
- Mathematical modeling
- Proof-based reasoning
- Scientific thinking
Instruction is tailored to each student’s level.
The Student Profile
Lexington Physics is not for everyone. We seek students who are unsatisfied with merely memorizing formulas. Our cohort consists of fiercely curious minds who demand to know the 'why' behind the equations, and who possess the intellectual stamina required for rigorous theoretical pursuit.
Whether preparing for university-level AP Physics or the national Olympiads, our students share one common trait: a relentless drive to understand the governing laws of nature.
Mathematics for Physicists
USAPhO vs USAMO: Mathematical Foundations
| Capability | USAMO (Mathematics Olympiad) | USAPhO (Physics Olympiad) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-step Reasoning | Required | Required |
| Algebraic Derivation | Required | Required |
| Calculus | Optional | Required |
| Geometric Modeling | Common | Common |
| Vectors / Complex Numbers | Sometimes | Required |
| Differential Equations | Not Required | Essential for Advanced Problems |
The distinction is structural, not superficial. Mathematics for physics is not merely about solving problems — it is about modeling reality. Students who pursue the USAPhO pathway require a mathematical system that is continuous, dynamic, and physically interpretable.
Design Philosophy: Mathematics for Physicists
At Lexington, mathematics is not taught as an isolated discipline. It is constructed as a language of physical reasoning.
Our program is built on a single principle:
If a concept cannot be used to model a physical system, it is not yet mastered.
This leads to three fundamental design choices:
- Continuity over fragmentation — algebra, geometry, calculus, and differential equations are unified.
- Depth over coverage — every concept is pushed to its structural limit.
- Physics-first abstraction — mathematical tools are introduced through physical necessity.
Students begin to recognize something profound: The fastest way to master mathematics is to use it to describe the real world.
Typical Learning Pathway (USAPhO-Oriented)
Pre-Grade 9
Intermediate Algebra (competition depth)
Precalculus (trigonometry, vectors, complex numbers)
Grade 10 — Semifinalist Stage
AP Calculus BC (core requirement)
AIME problem-solving (target: 6–8)
USAPhO Semifinalist qualification
Grade 11 — Finalist Stage
Multivariable Calculus
Differential Equations
Geometric Modeling (advanced)
USAPhO Finalist training
This pathway is deliberately constructed. Each stage prepares the mathematical infrastructure required for the next level of physical reasoning.
Recommended Materials
Core Competition Mathematics
- AoPS Intermediate Algebra
- AoPS Precalculus
Geometry (Modeling Focus)
- Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads (Evan Chen)
Calculus & Beyond
- AP Calculus BC
- Multivariable Calculus (MIT-level materials)
- Differential Equations (MIT-level materials)
These are not selected for completeness — they are selected because they form a coherent system aligned with USAPhO.
"Mathematics for Physicists" Program Schedule(Subject to change)
Summer | Wed, Sat @ 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Academic Year | Sat @ 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Instructors
Deborah
AP Physics Teacher & AP Physics Reader
PhD in Physics | Former researcher at U.S. national laboratory
ISEF Judge | 20+ years of research and teaching experience
With more than three decades of dedication to physics, Deborah brings both intellectual depth and a lifelong sense of purpose to her work. Her connection to the subject began early—growing up in a family shaped by physics, she was inspired by her father, who was also trained in the field.
At the age of fifteen, she made a defining decision: to pursue physics as a lifelong path. That commitment has remained unchanged.
Deborah completed her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in physics at Nanjing University. She went on to work in academic institutions and later at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, where she conducted research for many years.
Her career has spanned both China and the United States, giving her a broad academic and cultural perspective. Today, she serves as an AP Physics teacher at a high school in Massachusetts.
She chose to teach at the high school level out of a deep conviction: that education is one of the most meaningful ways to share the beauty and power of science.
In her classroom, Deborah emphasizes not only problem-solving, but a deep understanding of why physics works. She believes that true mastery comes from clarity of thought, not memorization.
Her goal is to help students develop the kind of thinking that enables success—not only in AP Physics, but also in competitions, research, and future STEM pursuits.
Apollos
Former University Lecturer and Adjunct Secondary School Instructor, with
4 years of experience in each role.
M.S. Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University
Apollos brings extensive experience in higher education and high school STEM instruction to Lexington Physics. He approaches physics education with the rigorous, structural mindset of an engineer, bridging the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and tangible physical realities.
His pedagogy centers on dismantling complex theoretical problems into their foundational components, training students not just to solve equations, but to engineer robust analytical frameworks.
"Back in fourth grade, I remember a math test where I was the only student to solve a particularly tough problem. Even after our teacher explained it several times, the class was still struggling. The teacher eventually called me up to the front to explain my logic.
To everyone's surprise, my classmates finally got it! My teacher beamed and told the class, 'From now on, you should call him lăo shī. If you have more questions, feel free to ask him after class.' That moment was a spark—I eventually became a university lecturer and am now an independent educator."
— Apollos, The original "lăo shī"
Contact
Lexington Physics
Lexington, Massachusetts
Inquiries: (781)357-6606
Email: info@LexingtonPhysics.com
Wechat:
Classes available in person in Lexington, MA and online.
Admissions & Inquiries
Admission to Lexington Physics is selective and requires a formal evaluation of the student's mathematical foundation and physical intuition.
We invite prospective families to submit an inquiry to schedule an initial consultation and academic assessment.
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