5:16 Robotics
Welcome Robotics Enthusiasts!
Unlock the power of technology, engineering, creativity, and teamwork with 5:16 Robotics, an exciting robotics program based in Rockwall & Kaufman, TX.
Sign up here for more information:
Did you know…
The skills of robotics can open up a world of opportunities for your child’s future! To name a few; the skills acquired in a robotics program are used in careers such as Design Engineer, Software Engineer, Software developer, Sales Engineer, Design, Aerospace Engineer, Computer Science, and the list goes on!
kids/students involved in robotics programs pursue careers in STEM fields. VS around 1.6% of college athletes & approximately.03%-.05% of high school athletes that go on to professional sports careers.
There are over 24,000 Vex Robotics teams competing worldwide. Making Vex Robotics the largest robotics competition in the world.
With only 800 teams making it to Worlds, Mr. Brown took 3 teams to Worlds his last year at Cain Middle School putting him and his teams among the TOP 3% of the world.
Who, What, Where…
Classes will consist of up to 12 students Ages 10-15, comprised of no more than 3 teams of 4 students. (Never more than 12 kids per class.)
Only 48 spots max available. (We will start a waitlist and consider adding another class if there are enough to make another class.)
We are currently offering 5 class times: 90 mins. each
Monday/Thursday: 12:30-2:00, 2:00pm-3:30pm & 3:45-5:15pm (currently filling Wednesday first, we will open up Monday or Thursday as needed)
Tuesday in Kaufman @ Hidden Acres: 2:00-3:30, 3:30-5:00
Wednesday in Rockwall: 1:00-2:30, 2:30pm-4:00pm & 4:00pm-5:30pm
Classes will meet for 27 sessions plus competitions ( for the non recreational students) spanning 9 months. Beginning mid August and ending beginning of May with the Worlds competition. (please see the menu above for a copy this year’s calendar). Competitions are on Saturdays, dates to be announced through out the year.
in Rockwall we meet @ 1505 Airport Road Suite 200, Rockwall TX. 75087 (inside A Dance to Remember studio & next door to jungle trek)
Registration is required to secure your child’s spot.
Who are we?
Meet the Brown family, Ryan and Angel are high school sweethearts that met in ’97 and Married in 2000. Ryan is a US Navy Veteran and taught History and Robotics in the public school system for nearly 10 years. All the while homeschooling their 3 children; Dylan 19 (2024 homeschool graduate! woohoo), Jillian 13, and Mason 11. They are currently excited to be starting their 12th year of homeschool. As veteran homeschoolers with unique public school insight Ryan saw the need for a few things, he set out to write his own US History Curriculum as seen on this website, and once that their son Mason turned 10, he has set his sights on bringing the fantastic, engaging and challenging world of VEX IQ robotics to the metroplex. The family is very grounded in their faith and attend Lakeshore church and also believe in building up the family unit and will always encourage and support family participation.
Fun Fact: The Brown Family lived in an RV full-time for the last 5 years! And recently moved into a home near Union Valley on 26 acres! God is good!
What to expect:
Competitive program: we will compete against teams from other schools (both public and private) and programs around the metroplex and ultimately the world! We provide hands on experience in VEX IQ Robotics, fostering creativity, problem-solving, technical skills, and team work in a fun and engaging environment. We will focus on a range of topics including basic robotics principals, programing, and project-based learning. While also participating in various in class competitions as well as sanctioned VEX robotics events.
New for 2025/2026 School year is the Recreational option. Recreational students will still have to opportunity to do all the same fun things in class each week just with out the added pressure or commitment of competitions.
Competitions:
Competitions will been Saturdays, local around the Metroplex. There are enough being offered locally that there is no need to travel far for one. We anticipate the teams needing to go to about 6-8 in a year in order to acquire the points needed for Regionals & Worlds. You could do more. But this is a realistic schedule. Competitions are sanctioned by VEX and are held at public and private schools. We must sign up for them but we are already in the data base to be able to do so, and as they are scheduled we will let you know. They will begin after the school year starts and will typically be held on Saturdays.
Watch the 2025/2026 VEX IQ Robotics Challenge “Mix & Match” here: (this will take you to YouTube)
Parent Participation:
Yes, you get to be involved! We will be going to events on weekends and on occasion possibly even out of town! We will likely fundraise for events as needed as each event has its own registration fee per team. We also encourage teams to meet outside of class time to build better team work and strengthen their skills. A parent lead is suggested per team to help facilitate this for the students. We encourage you to be as involved as you’d like and look forward to an amazing season together!
Additional fees:
Vex IQ team registration: $200 (group of 4). Competitions will typically cost $50-60 per team x 6-7 competitions per year. We prefer to not pass these fees on to families, in order keep monthly cost down, we likely need to fundraise for these. We have fundraisers planned as well as a sponsor packet should you know a business or individual that would like to be a sponsor of 5:16 Robotics. Additionally there is s cost for regionals and Worlds, should the teams make it to that point. ( that’s the goal!)
Have more questions?
You can reach us at:
info@brightlightacademy.net
