Frequently Asked Questions

MySTEM Academy offers hands-on STEM, robotics, coding, and engineering programs throughout the year.

After-school programs are available during fall, winter, and spring for students in grades 1–8. Programs run for 10–12 weeks, with one 55-minute class per week, at 4:30–5:25 PM or 5:30–6:25 PM. The 6:30–8:00 PM time slot is reserved for invited robotics team members.

Summer camps run weekly from June through August, Monday–Friday, either 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 12:30–3:30 PM.

Please check each class listing for its tuition, age range, dates, and available seats.

Just a water bottle! MySTEM Academy provides the equipment, robotics kits, laptops, and instructional materials students need to design, build, and code.

Projects and equipment remain at MySTEM Academy so students can continue developing their skills throughout the program.

For most programs, each student is assigned an individual kit for the duration of the session. Students are encouraged to keep their kits organized and take good care of their equipment.

Most programs provide one kit per student. In LEGO CS & AI and VEX IQ Robotics, students work in pairs and share one kit.

Yes! We plan to offer approximately one group trial session per month, depending on availability.

Please email maria@mystemacademy.com to ask about upcoming trial sessions and availability.

Yes! Parents can contact us to learn about upcoming Open House dates and opportunities to visit the center. Please email maria@mystemacademy.com for more information.

We are developing a student progress report to help parents follow their child's development in coding, engineering design, building, problem-solving, and teamwork.

We expect this feature to become available beginning in winter 2027.

Classes typically have 6–12 students, allowing instructors to provide individualized guidance and hands-on learning opportunities.

If a program is full, families may join the waiting list through the registration system.

Programs that do not meet the minimum enrollment of six students may be canceled. If MySTEM Academy cancels a program, registered families will receive a full refund of fees paid.

Families can cancel an unpaid registration or leave a waitlist through the Registrations page of their account. For a paid registration, contact MySTEM Academy to request a cancellation or refund.

Transfers to another session or program may be requested, subject to availability. MySTEM Academy cannot guarantee an available spot in another program and reserves the right to determine refund eligibility according to the applicable policy and circumstances.

Yes. All transfers are subject to availability and approval by MySTEM Academy.

Students should register for a program within its listed age range. Your child's birthday is required, and eligibility is based on their age on the first day of class. Grade recommendations help families choose a suitable learning pathway.

Our small classes allow instructors to adapt activities and challenges to students' demonstrated skills and experience. In exceptional cases, an instructor may recommend advancement to a higher-level program based on demonstrated readiness and ability.

A registration outside the age range requires admin approval. Payment remains locked until approved. If the request is rejected, the registration is canceled and the seat is released.

MySTEM Academy coaches competitive robotics teams for students who demonstrate the skills, commitment, and readiness needed for team participation.

Students are generally considered for invitations after participating in several MySTEM Academy design, building, and coding programs. Invitations are typically extended during the summer for the upcoming robotics season. Team availability and grade eligibility may vary from year to year.

Invitation-only registration options appear in the parent portal only for invited students.

Robotics team members need coding, engineering design, building, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. MySTEM Academy offers several pathways to develop these abilities.

The recommended pathway depends on your child's age, experience, interests, and current skill level. Program availability varies; check current listings for offered classes and age ranges. Completing prerequisite programs does not guarantee an invitation.

No. Prerequisite programs help students develop the skills needed for competitive robotics, but do not guarantee a team invitation.

Our goal is to place students in teams where they can learn, contribute, and grow while having a positive and rewarding robotics experience.

For FIRST LEGO League Challenge, MySTEM Academy participates in the Western Pennsylvania FIRST LEGO League community, which includes approximately 80–100 teams.

Advancement depends on competition rules, qualification slots, team performance, and event opportunities each season. Qualification at one level does not guarantee advancement to the next.

MySTEM Academy was founded by an engineer and a former faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University.

With 20+ years teaching STEM and over 10,000 children trained, our Academy fosters creativity, critical thinking, engineering skills, and a passion for innovation.

Our coaching experience includes 19 years of mentoring robotics teams. Students have competed in regional, state, and international events, earning awards and scholarships along the way. Our competition record includes 80+ awards.

We emphasize hands-on learning, thoughtful engineering design, collaboration, and continuous improvement, helping every student build skills, confidence, and a lasting interest in STEM.