How to choose a robotics class for kids near Richmond, VA

Turtleback Robotics Academy serves the Tri-Cities and Richmond metro from one campus: 6815 Commons Dr, Prince George, VA 23875. There is no Richmond street address on this website. Richmond-area families either come to that lab or use Online Robotics Lab. Published hours for the academy are Mon–Fri 4:00–7:00 PM; Sat and Sun closed. Phone is (804) 434-0470.

This guide does not estimate a drive from any part of Richmond. If a travel time would help your decision, ask the academy or check a map. Do not treat a number that is not on the site as a promise.

Learning Pathways describe ages 6–8 (Discover Builders), 8–10 (Foundations Robotics), 10–12 (Code & Build), and 12–16 (Challenge League). They explain example builds and skills. The pathways page says each pathway is not a separate catalog product. Online Robotics Lab is listed for ages 8–16.

A student younger than 8 is in the in-person pathways only. The online course starts at 8. A student 12 or older can also ask about Teen Robotics & Competition Club. That page says the academy is gathering interest for sessions and competition opportunities. It is not a roster you can assume is open.

The Prince George lab is where in-person classes include academy gear. Groups are described as 10–12 students. Ages 6–12 can use After School Robotics: one instructional hour a week, six hours across three days, or Full After-School Monday through Friday, 4–7 PM, 15 hours in the school-year term. Summer camp and birthday parties also use that address.

Online Robotics Lab is for families who will not make the trip. It is six weeks, one live 60-minute session each week, at most six students, software-first, with sessions listed in Eastern Time. It does not replace the in-person gear. Dates, times, and prices for both choices are in the Program Catalog, then the Parent Portal.

Write down the student’s age. Read the matching pathway. If the student can come to Prince George on a weekday, read After School Robotics. If not, and the student is at least 8, read Online Robotics Lab. If you want a short visit first, the contact page has a trial-class link, and the birthday and camp pages describe one-time or seasonal visits.

Then open the Program Catalog and read the terms before you pay. Questions go to robotics@turtlebackrobotics.com or (804) 434-0470. Bring the age and say whether you want the lab or the online course.