A: Joining our team starts with participating in our courses or camps to build foundational skills. We also recommend attending an informational session or reaching out directly to our team coordinator for specific joining criteria and the application process.

A: Yes, we typically look for students who have completed certain courses or camps that provide the necessary robotics and teamwork skills. A passion for robotics and a commitment to the team's schedule and goals are also important.

A: Blaze Robotics Academy welcomes students from 3rd grade through high school to join our competition teams. Our program is designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring a productive and enriching experience for all members, from elementary students to high schoolers.

A: Our VEX IQ teams typically meet once a week, focusing on a consistent and intensive learning experience. As the competition season progresses, we may offer additional practice sessions to further refine our robots and strategies. Please refer to each team level's description on our website for the most accurate schedule. Regardless of the season, our workshop provides extended access for those team members keen on extra practice time, supporting their dedication and drive to excel.

A: Blaze Robotics teams actively compete in local, out-of-state, and world VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) and VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) events. Our commitment to challenging our teams and showcasing their talents takes us beyond local competitions; some of our teams travel out-of-state to participate in prestigious Signature Events. These varied competitive experiences, recognized by major robotics and STEM organizations, provide our students with a comprehensive platform to test their skills, innovate, and excel on a global stage.

A: Yes, we charge an all-inclusive team membership fee that simplifies participation costs. This single fee covers everything the team needs for the season, including team registration, tournament fees, parts, tools, field access, and facility use. Our goal is to make participation as straightforward and accessible as possible, keeping costs manageable while providing everything needed for a successful competition season.

A: With over 20 years of combined experience, access to a dynamic workshop, and mentorship by world-winning coaches, our teams are well-equipped for success. Our students not only excel in competitions but also represent Blaze Robotics Academy's values of innovation and excellence in their academic and personal achievements.

A: Our competition season is segmented into three phases to maximize learning and competition opportunities:

*Early Season (June to August): This period is ideal for passionate returning students who wish to get a head start on the next season's game, which is released every May after the World Championship.

*Regular Season (September to February): The majority of our students enroll during the summer, with teams officially forming before the school year starts. The regular season is focused on preparing for and participating in local and out-of-state competitions.

*Post Season (March to May): Teams that advance to state or world championships extend their season into the post period, culminating their year either in March or at the World Championship in May.

This structured approach ensures that all students, whether new or returning, have a clear pathway from preparation to competition, with opportunities to extend their involvement based on performance and commitment.

A: We understand that plans can change, and we've structured our refund policy to be as fair as possible:

Full Refund: Requests made within two weeks of joining the team are eligible for a full refund, provided the regular season has not yet started.

Partial Refund: Cancellations made after the initial two-week period but before the start of the regular season may qualify for a 50% refund, considering early administrative and preparatory expenses.

No Refund: Once the regular season begins, refunds are not available as the team fee will have been allocated towards registration for competitions, travel, parts, tools, and other essential team-related expenses.

Our policy aims to balance the academy's commitment to providing high-quality competitive experiences with the financial realities of organizing and equipping successful teams. For any refund requests or questions, please contact our administration team directly.