- (407) 633-0650
- Orlando, Florida 32804
Each season, STEAMUP Academy fields a competitive VEX IQ robotics team — and we're inviting new students to join. Kids design, build, and program real robots, then take them head-to-head on the road from local tournaments to the World Championships.
// Orlando, FL · New game every season · Limited team spots
Each year, VEX unveils a fresh challenge with new objects, goals, and strategy — so the game never gets stale. What stays constant is the format your child trains in: teamwork, robot skills, and real engineering.
Two robots cooperate as an alliance to score as many points as possible before the clock runs out.
One robot, fully driver-controlled, racing to rack up points and set a top score.
The robot runs on student-written code with minimal human input — pure programming under pressure. Driving and coding scores combine to crown a Robot Skills champion.
Teams document their design process and present it to judges — engineering is more than driving.
A new game keeps it exciting — the skills carry forward season after season.
The competition is divided into three progressive stages. Each builds on the last, giving students multiple opportunities to advance — the same path that ends at an event often compared to the Olympics of robotics.
Local events where teams compete as often as they like to gain experience, sharpen the robot, and bank qualification points. We aim to compete several times across the season.
The top teams from a wider area face off. A strong showing — or the right award, like Excellence — earns a coveted invitation to Worlds.
The best teams on the planet, together in one arena. Competing here is a remarkable achievement and a chance to meet students from around the world.
// Specific events, dates, and timing are confirmed each season.
We chose VEX because it lives our values: innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. The pressure of competition is where those skills get real — including how to handle pressure and disappointment.
Hands-on building, programming, and iteration. Students learn to design, test, break, and rebuild — the actual engineering loop.
Defined roles, real deadlines, and a clock that doesn't care about excuses. Kids learn to lead, listen, and recover from setbacks.
The path leads outward — to regional events and a World Championship where students connect with peers from across the globe.
A focused practice rhythm, with extra sessions added as competitions approach. Every member owns a role on the field.
Feed game elements onto the field at the right moment.
Pilot the robot with precision during live matches.
Write and tune the autonomous routines that score on their own.
Members are chosen for capability, tenacity, and grit — the qualities a high-pressure competition demands. Parents are warmly welcome to volunteer and cheer the team on.
Two simple parts to get your child on the team. Travel for advanced stages, if your team qualifies, is discussed separately and always with advance notice.
Already enrolled in a class at the same $360 / 4-week rate? Your existing tuition covers the competition practice sessions — no extra class fee.
Experience helps, but it isn't the deciding factor. We look for curiosity, persistence, and the grit to push through hard problems — coaching builds the technical skills from there.
VEX IQ has two classifications: elementary (ages 4–12) and middle school (ages 12–14). Elementary students may choose to compete at the middle-school level, but not the other way around, since expectations differ.
No. The one-time $400 payment covers materials, equipment, and team registration. Your child works with the team's competition kit during practice.
The day and time for normal practice are still to be decided and will be confirmed with the team. On top of regular sessions, we may add extra practice as tournaments approach to fine-tune the robot and teamwork — families are always notified ahead of time.
Absolutely. Volunteering is welcome — from keeping the team hydrated on game day to offering suggestions during build sessions and helping organize team-bonding activities.
Robot design is complex and the season starts fast, so early enrollment guarantees participation. Here's how to join the team:
