Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our website works as an installable app you can add to your phone's home screen — no app store required. On iPhone/iPad, tap the Share icon in Safari and choose "Add to Home Screen." On Android, tap the menu (⋮) in Chrome and choose "Install app" or "Add to Home screen." You can also tap the Install App button in the footer of any page on our website to get started.

The program is open to 3rd–8th grade (ages 8–14) students in the Baltimore/Towson area. All you need is an interest in STEM, building things, and working with others — no building, coding, or engineering experience necessary!

Not at all. Our curriculum starts with the basics — introducing the VEX robotics kit, simple machines, and beginner-friendly programming — so students with zero experience can jump right in alongside more experienced teammates.

Students move through a 20-week curriculum in four modules: an introduction to robotics and teamwork, engineering and programming foundations, applied robotics challenges, and finally a showcase and competition-prep module where teams tackle complex projects and compete in tournaments.

Classes meet once a week on Sundays, aligned with Chinese School class time slots, for 90 minutes per session. Each semester (Fall and Spring) runs 18–20 weeks. Classes are held at Baltimore Chinese School at Towson University, 254 University Ave, Towson, MD 21204.

We use the VEX robotics platform, one of the most widely used robotics programs for elementary and middle school students worldwide, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest robotics competition in the world. VEX IQ is designed for elementary and middle school students (typically ages 8–14, grades 3–8).

Instruction is in English, with bilingual support available if needed, so students and families more comfortable in Chinese still have a smooth experience.

Yes, but it's optional — students can choose whether or not to compete. In our very first season (2025–2026), the teams that did compete — 16158A, 16158B, and 16158M — took part in multiple regional tournaments and advanced to the Maryland State Championship, bringing home the Judges Award, the Teamwork Champion Award, the Sportsmanship Award, and top-5 state finishes.

S.P.A.R.K. stands for Skills through hands-on practice, Persistence in problem-solving, Achieve together, Respect for teammates, and Knowledge for life. It's the framework behind everything we teach — helping students build not just robots, but the habits and character that will serve them well beyond robotics.

BCS Robotics is run by a team of high school students with years of hands-on VEX robotics experience — including regional, state, and World Championship competition. We're excited to mentor the next generation of builders and coders using what we've learned.

To enroll, visit our Programs page and click the Sign Up button to register. To ask a question, visit our Contact page and send us an inquiry — we're happy to answer questions about enrollment, scheduling, or the program in general.

Yes. Being student-centered is central to the VEX experience — students do the real work of designing, building, coding, driving, strategizing, and presenting. Coaches, mentors, and parents can offer guidance and ask questions, but they don't fix the robot, write the code, or make decisions for the team. This ensures every success truly reflects the students' own learning and effort. For more on what to expect as a student on the team, see VEX's Students Start Here guide.

Parents don't need an engineering or STEM background to be involved — the most valuable role is to encourage, ask questions, and support your student rather than do the work for them. Parents should not do the work for their child, get involved in team decisions, or influence robot design and match play — these should remain entirely student-led. Helpful ways to support include assisting with team logistics, celebrating effort and growth rather than just scores, or simply asking what they're building and what challenges they're solving. For more guidance, see VEX's Parents Start Here guide.