Robotics
Middle School
Here, robotics is life.
Our robotics program brings middle school 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 introduces students to aerospace design and hands-on problem solving early on.
Many go on to earn internships, scholarships, and placements in top STEM programs, entering the workforce with a strong foundation.
We offer two robotics tracks for middle school students: FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for early middle schoolers—focused on creativity, teamwork, and core robotics concepts—and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for grades 7–10, a collaborative and iterative entry point into competitive robotics. FTC emphasizes engineering, coding, outreach, and strategic thinking, giving students the skills and confidence to advance into high school-level robotics with real-world experience.
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 inspires young people to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. As recognized participants in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), Academy students gain access to a world-class platform where they build real robots, solve real problems, and grow into engineers, coders, and leaders.
Through the program, our students:
- Compete against teams from across the country and around the world
- Build lasting relationships with STEM mentors and industry professionals
- Gain experience that can lead to scholarships, internships, and careers in aerospace, technology, and engineering
FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Students explore STEAM concepts by designing and programming LEGO robots to complete themed missions. They work in teams to design, build, and code autonomous LEGO robots. Students gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program using LEGO® technology, helping today’s students, families, and educators build a better future together.
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).