FIRST LEGO League
Inspiring future innovators
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math to students from kindergarten through grade 8, through hands-on learning that is actually fun. Students pick up the basics and then put them to work in a real competition, gaining confidence and teamwork on the way.
Our goals
We tripled the number of teams in town
Southington had eight official FIRST LEGO League teams when we set out to change that. There are 25 now.
If you want to start a team, or you just want to know more about how any of this works, ask us. Messages go to the team's mentors.
Our programs
Where our teams are
Southington schools
- DePaolo Middle School
- JFK Middle School
- Oshana Elementary School
- Southington Catholic
- South End Elementary School
- Derynoski Elementary School
- Strong Elementary School
- Thalberg Elementary School
Beyond the schools
- Eight teams in Bristol, run in partnership with Otis
- Two teams at the Southington Public Library
- Two teams at our own facility
Not on this list and want to be? The FLL Relaunch Program covers registration, supplies a student coach and trains your teachers.
Start a team
The 2026 to 2027 season
FIRST has reshaped FIRST LEGO League this year. Explore and Challenge carry on as the Founders Edition, and a new Future Edition runs alongside them by grade. FIRST says this is the final season of FIRST LEGO League, with new K-8 programs from 2027.
Discover, the old program for the youngest students, is no longer offered. The Future Edition's kindergarten to grade 2 band covers that age now.
Below is what each option includes, what it costs and where the coach training comes from, taken from FIRST's cost page. If something is not clear, ask us and we will walk you through it.
Founders Edition, ages 6 to 10
FIRST LEGO League Explore
Students take on a real-world problem, then design, build and code their own solution out of LEGO bricks powered by LEGO Education SPIKE Essential, learning the fundamentals of engineering as they go.
Team: up to 6 students
$150 per season, 2026 to 2027
- An official Explore team number
- One BIOGLOW Founders Edition Explore set
- The Team Meeting Guide and the student Engineering Notebook, digital only
Class Pack: up to 24 students
$715 per season, 2026 to 2027
- Four BIOGLOW Founders Edition Explore sets
- The Class Pack Guide, Team Meeting Guide and Engineering Notebook, digital only
- Session-by-session teaching slides
Good to know
- LEGO Education SPIKE Essential sets are not included. FIRST says LEGO Education sells them only until June 30, 2026.
- Registration does not include official events. A team pays its local FIRST partner for those; a Class Pack runs its own event in school.
- Two adult coaches lead each team
- Register on FIRST
- FIRST FLL resource library
Coach training from FIRST
| In-person course, 12 hours over two days | $300-$600 |
|---|---|
| Remote course, 12 hours | $300-$600 |
Founders Edition, ages 9 to 14
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Teams research, code and program a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot to solve the missions of the season's robot game, and run a research project on a real-world problem tied to the theme.
Team: up to 10 students
$285 per season, 2026 to 2027
- An official Challenge team number
- The option to buy the BIOGLOW Founders Edition Challenge set, $105
- The Team Meeting Guide, Robot Game Rulebook and Engineering Notebook, digital only
Class Pack: up to 24 students
$850 per season, 2026 to 2027
- Two BIOGLOW Founders Edition Challenge sets
- The Class Pack Guide, Team Meeting Guide, Robot Game Rulebook and Engineering Notebook, digital only
- Session-by-session teaching slides
Good to know
- LEGO Education SPIKE Prime sets are not included. FIRST says LEGO Education sells them only until June 30, 2026.
- Registration does not include official events. A team pays its local FIRST partner for those; a Class Pack runs its own event in school.
- Two adult coaches lead each team
- Register on FIRST
- FIRST FLL resource library
Coach training from FIRST
| In-person course, 14 hours over two days | $300-$600 |
|---|---|
| Remote course, 14 hours | $300-$600 |
New this season, grades K to 8
FIRST LEGO League Future Edition
Teams work in alliances on a biodiversity game played in two and a half minute matches, building and coding wireless hardware from the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits.
Grades K to 2
| 8 students, 2 teams | $250 |
|---|---|
| 24 students, 6 teams | $685 |
- One season set per 4 students, $35 each, required
- Computer Science & AI kits, about $340-$2,250, sold separately
Grades 3 to 5
| 8 students, 1 team | $285 |
|---|---|
| 24 students, 3 teams | $825 |
- One season set, $105, required
- Computer Science & AI kits, about $430-$2,800, plus a $190 hardware bundle each, sold separately
Grades 6 to 8
| 8 students, 1 team | $285 |
|---|---|
| 24 students, 3 teams | $825 |
- One season set, $105, required
- Computer Science & AI kits, about $530-$3,500, sold separately
Prices are per season, for 2026 to 2027. Registration covers team numbers and the digital materials, not official events, whose fees are set by the local FIRST partner. Kits are sold through the FIRST Storefront.
Questions we get
Before you commit
How do we approach local schools to start a program?
Reach out early and find the teachers or parent volunteers willing to help run it. Teams need funding too, and a small fundraiser usually covers it. If you are a parent, contact your local FRC team: having them involved does more for a new program than anything else.
How can I get my FRC team involved?
FLL is a real opportunity for FRC students to work with younger kids and build teaching and leadership skills, and it counts as volunteer hours. Pitch it as both and students will sign up. It is one of the fastest ways to log hours while actually learning something.
How do I get my child into an FLL program?
Ask your child's school first: there may already be a team. If not, look for a local team that is open to join. Once you have found one, register your child on the FIRST website, which is required to compete at FLL Challenge events.
How long is a typical session?
It depends on the program. Explore is hands-on, with programming and intricate builds, so allow at least an hour. Challenge takes the most time: building and programming means constant trial and error, so plan on 1 to 1.5 hours.
Do I need qualifications to run a team?
No. You need a willingness to learn the basics of FIRST LEGO League and a commitment to weekly sessions. That is genuinely it.