Students from Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati recently represented their school on the international stage at the 2026 VEX IQ Robotics World Championship, held April 28–30 in St. Louis, Missouri.
The event brought together 543 teams from 52 countries, showcasing some of the top elementary and middle school robotics programs from around the world. Teams were divided into five divisions, with Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati competing in the Spirit Division alongside 83 teams.
Throughout the competition, students participated in 11 qualification matches, along with Robot Skills Challenge runs and Autonomous Coding Skills attempts. The event tested not only technical ability, but also teamwork, adaptability, strategy, and problem-solving under pressure.
At the conclusion of qualification round, the team earned a 35th place ranking in the Spirit Division with an average score of 239 points, reflecting a strong performance at one of the highest levels of international robotics competition.
Beyond the competition itself, the experience gave students the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from teams across the globe while gaining exposure to advanced engineering strategies, coding techniques, and innovative robot designs.
“Our students demonstrated strong preparation, teamwork, and resilience throughout the event,” said Muzammil Zakaria, Computer Science Teacher at HSA Cincinnati. “They represented the school with professionalism, dedication, and positive sportsmanship while gaining valuable experience that will continue to strengthen our robotics program moving forward.”
Participation in events like the VEX IQ Robotics World Championship reflects Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati’s continued commitment to STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities that encourage students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply classroom learning in real-world settings.