Robotics

High School

Here, robotics is life.

Our robotics program brings students, mentors, and families together to design, build, market, and operate competitive robots in a business-like, real-world environment—guided by the global standards of FIRST®. Integrated into our STEM curriculum and supported by industry mentors, the program gives students early exposure to aerospace design and hands-on problem solving. Many go on to earn internships, scholarships, and placements in top college STEM programs, entering the workforce with a competitive edge.

We offer two robotics tracks for high school students: FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for grades 7–10—collaborative, iterative, and ideal for beginners—and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for grades 9–12, our flagship, varsity-level program. FRC demands precision engineering, software integration, and strategic thinking at the highest level of competition.

What is FIRST?

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international organization that uses robotics to prepare students for the future. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST aims to inspire young people to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. As a recognized participant in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), Academy students have access to a world-class platform where they build real robots, solve real problems, and become real engineers, coders, and leaders. Our students:

  • Compete against teams from across the country and the world
  • Build relationships with STEM mentors and industry professionals
  • Gain experience that can lead to college scholarships, internships, and careers in aerospace, tech, and engineering

Team 5012 Gryffingear

Representing the Academy in the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC), Team 5012 Gryffingear competes at regional and championship events across California and beyond, including all aspects of a competitive FIRST Robotics Team and regularly partnering with industry mentors from aerospace and tech companies.

FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) is a competitive robotics program for high school students. Each year, 5012 Gryffingear takes on the intense six-week challenge of building a 125-pound competition robot from the ground up with over 40 members operating like a real-world tech startup, each taking on roles from mechanical and electrical engineering to CAD, coding, marketing, logistics, and business planning.

Learn More About Gryffingear

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

FTC is the entry point into competitive robotics at the Academy. Students work in small teams to design, build, and program robots using materials such as reusable metal parts, sensors, and motors. Robots are coded (usually in Java or Blocks), and the competition focuses on engineering design, autonomous navigation, and strategic gameplay. The robots are typically an ~18” cube (about the size of a microwave).

Learn More About FTC

Gryffingear goes for the gold.

Founded shortly after the Academy opened its doors, Gryffingear has grown into a recognized team with over 40 members known for creativity, technical excellence, and gracious professionalism. The team competes at regional and championship events across California and beyond, regularly partnering with industry mentors from aerospace and tech companies. In recent years, we have won the following:

Rookie Awards (2014)

In our first year of competition, we won the Rookie All-Star, Highest Rookie Seed, and peer-nominated rookie awards at both Inland Empire and Las Vegas Regionals

Safety Awards

Recognized six times for outstanding safety standards, practices, and culture within their team and beyond

  • Aerospace Valley Regional 2018
  • Idaho Regionals 2019
  • Las Vegas Regionals 2014, 2015, 2018
  • Sacramento Regional 2017

Imagery Awards

Recognized for visual identity, branding, and creative excellence at regionals and the FIRST® Championship

  • Aerospace Valley Regional 2018
  • Idaho Regionals 2019
  • Las Vegas Regionals 2014, 2015, 2018
  • Sacramento Regional 2017

Regional Winner

  • First-place finish – Idaho Regionals 2019
  • First-place finish – LA Regionals 2016
  • First-place finish – Vegas Regionals 2015

Championship Division Winner

2015 FIRST® Championship Newton Division Winner (qualifying for Einstein field)

World Championship Winner

World Championship Winner 2015 FIRST® Championship (Einstein Field)