FTC Competitive Robotics

🤖 Program Overview

FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) is a high-level robotics program for middle and high school students who are ready to take on real-world engineering challenges using metal parts, advanced sensors, and Java-based coding.

In this program, students design, build, and code a competition-ready robot using REV Robotics hardware and Android-based control systems. They’ll work in dedicated teams to develop autonomous and driver-controlled strategies, apply engineering documentation practices, and compete head-to-head in an official FTC league.

This program is intended for students who are passionate about robotics, engineering, and innovation. All equipment and training is provided — no prior experience is required.

🎯 What They’ll Learn

• Structural robot design using metal frames and components
• Electrical wiring and hardware integration
• Programming in Java for both autonomous and teleop modes
• Engineering notebook documentation
• Game analysis, rule strategy, and tournament professionalism
• Communication, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving

📅 Program Timeline

• Season Kickoff: August 2025
• Weekly Classes: ~6 hours/week (split across 2 sessions)
• Holiday Breaks: Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30th - Sept 1st, 2025), Thanksgiving (Nov 27th- Nov 30th, 2025)
• Qualifying Season: October 2025 - March 2026 (exact dates TBD)
• Regionals/States & Championship: December 2025–April 2026 (exact dates TBD)

💵 Tuition & Payment Options

• Tuition displayed during checkout
• Payment plans available — select monthly billing at registration
• Military Discount: 10% off (email us with valid ID)
• Sibling Discount: 5% off each additional child (automatically applied)

💡 Tuition includes all hardware, team registration fees, tools, and field elements.
🧳 Travel, lodging, transportation, and meals during events are not included.

⚖️ Refund & Commitment Policy

• No refunds once a payment is made
• Students are expected to complete the full FTC season
• Mid-season dropouts are still responsible for full payment
• No makeup classes or refunds for absences

🧳 Travel & Competition Details

• FTC teams compete in local league meets and may qualify for state-level tournaments
• Events are typically held within Virginia but may include some regional travel
• Hotel bookings for travel events will be coordinated by Odin Wise; families will reimburse Odin for all travel related costs.
• Travel-related expenses such as food, gas, and transportation are the responsibility of each family
• Students might need to leave a couple of hours early from school for competition travel
• Advancement to states or worlds will incur additional fees

📋 Policies & Participation Expectations

• All hardware, tools, and programming devices are provided. Students may choose to use their own laptops but it is not required.
• Students must attend all scheduled build sessions and meets
• Parents must notify coaches of any known absences in advance
• Missed work must be caught up outside of class
• No refunds or rescheduling for missed sessions

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Placement

• Teams are formed by skill level, age, and commitment
• Requests to be placed with a friend or sibling must be emailed to [email protected]
• If your preferred location is full, we’ll help place you at a nearby site

❓FAQs

How many students are on a team?
FTC teams typically have 4–8 students working with a lead coach and assistant mentor.

What experience is required?
None — students of all levels are welcome. We provide all necessary training and support.

Is there travel involved?
Yes. Travel within Virginia is common for league events and tournaments. Overnight stays may be necessary.

What should students bring to class?
Water, nut-free snacks, and a notebook. All tools and equipment are provided.

Will my child need to miss school?
Possibly. Students may need to leave school a couple of hours early for travel to events.

Do you provide laptops or equipment?
Yes — all FTC kits, phones, controllers, and laptops are supplied by Odin Wise. Students may choose to use their own laptops but it is not required. 

When will we know the exact dates of the competition?
TBD — competition organizers announce dates closer to the event. We'll notify families as soon as we receive them.

⏳ Waitlist Policy

If your selected location or program is full, you can join the free waitlist at checkout.
If a spot opens up, you'll be notified automatically.
If we cannot place your child at your first choice, we’ll do our best to match you with a nearby team.

Email: [email protected] to make changes.