Schools Advice for courses for physics in high school.

AI Thread Summary
A high school freshman seeks guidance on course selection, expressing a strong interest in advanced mathematics and physics. The student has independently studied calculus and various physics texts, including works by Linus Pauling and Roger Penrose, while concurrently taking AP Physics B and an independent study in algebra 2. The student is concerned about the limitations of their school's curriculum, particularly the lack of advanced courses like linear algebra and quantum mechanics. They inquire about options for taking these advanced courses and seek recommendations for mathematically focused physics books, as well as affordable sources for acquiring them. Suggestions include the possibility of self-studying AP Physics C after completing AP Physics B and exploring self-learning options for AP Statistics.
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I am currently a freshman in high school and was looking for advice on which courses to take. Over the past summer I spent most of July and August reading Calculus by James Stewart. I have also been reading other books more specifically for physics such as An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Linus Pauling and E. Bright Willson Jr. and also The Road to Reality by Roger Penrose, as well as several other books, articles, and websites. Last year my physics teacher gave me the physics book that he uses, Physics by Giancoli, and I am now taking physics and AP physics B concurrently. In math I am doing a course similar to an independent study for the material that I am supposed to cover in algebra 2 for the first semester and then taking an advanced online course in trigonometry. At my school the most advanced physics course is AP Physics B and the most advanced math course is AP Calculus BC. My main problem with my schedule is that I will not be learning everything that I can. After this year I will not be able to take any more physics courses at my school and I will have to wait until my senior year to take a math course that I already feel that I have a firm understanding of. I would like to take more advanced courses such as linear algebra and complex analysis in math or Physics C and Quantum Mechanics in Physics, all of which I am already looking into. Is there any way that I can take these courses?
I am also wondering what are some good books to study from. I am mostly interested in mathematically based physics books. I would also appreciate any advice on where to get them for low prices. So far I have managed to scavenge most of my books from resale shops and was wondering if there was a better way to get them.
I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
 
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If your school allows you to, then you can take AP exams for AP classes you have not taken. Self-learning AP Physics C should not be a problem after you learn AP Physics B with a basic understanding of calculus. AP Statistics is also a course that can be self-learned easily with a good book.
 

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