Robotics Academy

The Southwood Middle School Robotics Academy is a comprehensive three year pathway designed specifically for middle school students. Using VEX IQ robotics systems, students’ progress from foundational engineering concepts to advanced competitive strategy, coding, and leadership. Throughout the year, teams participate in REC Foundation–sanctioned VEX IQ competitions, applying classroom learning in high energy, real world environments.

Our program emphasizes:

  • Engineering design and problem solving
  • Computational thinking and coding
  • Collaboration, communication, and leadership
  • Sportsmanship and professional conduct

The Three Year Pathway

Year 1

Foundations of Robotics

Students are introduced to:

  • VEX IQ parts and build systems
  • Basic mechanical design
  • Introductory block based coding
  • Sensor integration
  • Debugging and optimization
  • Autonomous programming
  • Team roles and collaboration
  • Engineering notebooks

The focus is on exploration, confidence building, and learning how to learn.

Year 2

Design, Strategy, and Coding

Students deepen their skills through:

  • Advanced robot design and iteration
  • Game analysis and scoring strategy
  • Match preparation and alliance play

Students begin competing and learning strategy, communication, and adaptability.
impact success.

Year 3

Competition, Leadership, and Excellence

Our most advanced students take on leadership roles while mastering:

  • High Level competitive strategy
  • Autonomous programming
  • Data Driven design decisions
  • Mentorship of younger teams
  • Professional communication with referees and judges

This year focuses on excellence, integrity, and preparing students for high school–level STEM programs

Competition and REC Events
Our teams compete in REC Foundation VEX IQ Robotics Competitions during the official season. These events challenge students to:
  • Perform under pressure
  • Collaborate with alliance partners
  • Adapt to real time challenges
  • Demonstrate gracious professionalism

Our program has:

  • Earned multiple tournament awards
  • Consistently ranked among top teams
  • Qualified for State Level competitions

Winning is celebrated—but character, growth, and teamwork always come first.

Awards and Recognition
We are proud to be an award winning robotics program, recognized for:
- Competitive excellence- Engineering design- Teamwork and sportsmanship- Strong engineering documentation
Judges, referees, and other coaches frequently commend our students for their professionalism, respect, and integrity—both on and off the field.

Skills Students Develop

By the end of the program, students gain:

  • Engineering and mechanical design skills
  • Coding and logical reasoning abilities
  • Critical thinking and perseverance
  • Leadership and mentorship experience
  • Confidence in public speaking and problem solving

These skills extend far beyond robotics and prepare students for success in STEM and life.

Why Choose the Southwood Robotics Academy?

  • Three Year structured progression
  • Hands-on, project based learning
  • Real competition experience
  • Emphasis on character and integrity
  • Proven record of success at the state level

Our students don’t just build robots, they build resilience, confidence, and a passion for learning.

Join the Program

Whether your child is brand new to robotics or ready to compete at a high level, our program offers a supportive, challenging, and inspiring environment. Come build with us. Compete with us. Grow with us.