🤖 2026-2027 FLL Challenge Masters: Future Edition (Competitive Program)

📘 Program Overview

FLL Challenge Foundations is a competitive team program for students preparing to compete in the Future Edition 2026–2027 FIRST LEGO League Challenge season. Enrollment in this program means committing to a team formed in Spring 2026 and locked in for official competition starting August 2026, once the new FLL theme is released.

This program is built specifically for the new FLL Challenge format launching in 2026–2027, known as Future Edition. This version introduces updated gameplay, new hardware, and a different competition structure from the current Founders Edition.

Students in this program will not use SPIKE Prime kits. Training begins using the new LEGO Education Computer Science and AI based hardware designed for Future Edition gameplay.

If you are looking to compete in the Founders Edition FLL Challenge using SPIKE Prime robotics, please view our FLL Challenge Skills Lab or email [email protected] for guidance.

This program is not a trial or short term enrichment class. This is a fixed, year long full season competitive commitment. Spots are limited. Teams are capped at 6-7 students. Withdrawal after enrollment does not reduce tuition obligations. The full program tuition remains due even if a student drops out.

🎯 What Students Learn

• Engineering and prototyping with Future Edition hardware
• Robotics coding aligned with updated gameplay mechanics
• Mission strategy and real time gameplay execution
• Team roles, accountability, and collaboration
• Innovation Project research, problem definition, and presentation skills
• Competition readiness and tournament professionalism
• Early preparation for Future Edition gameplay so teams enter the August theme launch ready to build, code, and iterate immediately

🎮 Future Edition Gameplay Focus

Future Edition introduces active gameplay and defined team roles. Students play the game with the robotic and mechanical tools they design and build.

Each team includes four defined roles.

Driver
Navigates a driving base around the field using a controller to collect and deliver game elements.

Operator
Designs and operates a mechanical tool to interact with and trigger game elements.

Technician
Designs and codes a robotic tool to complete missions across the field.

Specialist
Controls the team device and one or more robotic game elements during gameplay.

Students rotate through roles during training to build a strong understanding of each responsibility.

📌 Who This Program Is Ideal For

• Students looking to compete in the 2026–2027 FIRST LEGO League Challenge
• First time competitors who want structured, guided competition training
  
• Returning students preparing for advanced gameplay and team roles
  
• Students ready for a team based, long term commitment
  
• Families with flexibility during the fall competition season for additional practice time

📅 Program Timeline

Spring Training Phase
February 2026 to May 2026
Weekly commitment. 2 hours per week

Summer Break
June to July
No classes

FIRST Theme Launch and Classes Resume
August 2026
Teams begin training on the official competition theme once it is released

Regional Qualifiers
November/December 2026
Exact dates are announced by FIRST closer to the season

State Tournament
December 2026 to January 2027, if qualified
Exact dates are announced closer to the event.
Qualification for states will incur additional tuition beyond the regular season

World Festival
Dates and location TBD, if qualified
Qualification for worlds will incur additional tuition and travel-related costs

Competition Window
Most regional and state competitions take place between November and January. Tuition for this program covers training and competition through regional qualifiers only. Advancement beyond regionals requires additional fees for extended training and competition preparation

Do not enroll if your family plans extended travel longer than a few days days during Winter 2026–2027.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Size and Placement

• Teams include a maximum of 6-7 students
• Teams are formed by coach and director recommendation
• Friend or sibling requests accepted by email when possible
• Placement at nearby locations offered if a site fills
• After registration, families are required to complete a placement form. This form helps confirm experience level, availability, and readiness so students are matched to the appropriate team

⏱️ Time Commitment Expectations

• Spring semester. 3 hours weekly
• Fall semester. 3.5-4 hours weekly + Additional hours as needed
• Increased practice time required closer to competition weekend. Teams may meet up to 5–10 hours during peak competition weeks
• Flexibility in the fall is required to schedule for the additional time. 

💵 Tuition and Payment

• Fixed program fee for the full 2026–2027 season, regardless of when a student joins. The 8–9 month program is split into an 11 month payment plan for convenience
• A deposit is required at registration to secure a team spot
• Payments are automatically scheduled every month
• A separate competition fee of $250 is required at the start of the official theme launch in August
• Tuition covers robotics kits, equipment, and team supplies through regional qualifiers
• Travel, meals, lodging, and transportation are not included

Tuition covers training and competition through regional qualifiers only. Advancement to states or worlds will incur additional tuition and competition-related fees.

⚖️ Refund and Commitment Policy

• No refunds once payment is made
• Full season commitment required
• Dropping out mid-season is not permitted
• Full tuition remains due if a student withdraws
• Dropouts impact team performance and competition outcomes
• No makeups or credits for missed sessions

If you are unsure about committing to a competitive program, please review our non-competitive program options before enrolling.

🧳 Travel and Competition Details

• Competitions held within Virginia. Travel may require two to four hours for regional events
• State competition is typically hosted in Harrisonburg, VA
• Odin Wise coordinates hotel and travel bookings
• Families reimburse all travel-related costs
• Students may need to leave school early for travel or events

⏳ Waitlist Policy

• Free waitlist available at checkout
• Email notification sent if a spot opens
• Nearby team placement offered when possible

📩 Questions or Placement Requests

Email [email protected]