LEGO League 2027 vs FIRST's New K–8 Program: How to Choose
If your child is in 3rd–8th grade and loves LEGO robotics, the 2027–28 school year brings a real choice: LEGO Education's new LEGO League (launching August 2027, ages 5–16, built on the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits) or FIRST's new K–8 program (launching for 2027–28 on FIRST's own platform, with SPIKE sets still supported through 2028–29). The short version: if your school or team is already buying LEGO's new CS & AI kits, LEGO League is the natural fit. If you want the familiar FIRST culture and a path toward FTC and FRC, watch FIRST's program. And whichever you pick, the skills your child needs are the same, so you don't have to wait to start building them.
Why there are two programs now
For more than 25 years, FIRST and LEGO worked together on FIRST LEGO League. That partnership ends after the 2026–27 BIOGLOW season, which is the final FIRST LEGO League season. After that, each organization goes its own way. (We covered the background in What the FIRST–LEGO Split Means for Families.)
So this year's BIOGLOW season runs as normal. The decision is really about next year.
LEGO League (LEGO Education): what we know
According to LEGO Education's program update page:
Launch: August 2027, with a new season starting each August.
Ages: 5–16. Ages 5–7 (K–2) work in teams of four on a build-and-code challenge plus a small research project. Ages 8–16 split into 8+ (grades 3–5) and 11+ (grades 6–8); both play the same game but are scored separately.
Hardware: The LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits. Teams can still use any LEGO bricks, including Technic, for their builds.
SPIKE: Allowed in the 2027–28 season. From 2028–29, CS & AI hardware is required.
Coding: Block-based or Python.
Teams: For ages 8–16, eight is recommended (minimum four, maximum ten).
Events: Local events through the season, with regional, national and international events between March and July.
Registration: Expected to open between March and May 2027, after BIOGLOW ends. Costs haven't been announced yet.
FIRST's new K–8 program: what we know
FIRST's K–8 page says:
Launch: The 2027–28 season, on FIRST's own technology platform. Program names and hardware details haven't been announced yet.
SPIKE: FIRST plans to stay compatible with SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential through the 2028–29 season.
Format: Team-based, with team sizes, events and judging expected to feel similar to today's FIRST competitions.
Innovation project: Stays a core part of the program for grade 3 and up.
Core Values: Gracious Professionalism and FIRST Core Values remain central.
How to choose: five questions for your family
What hardware do you already have? If your school or team owns SPIKE sets, both programs accept them in 2027–28, and FIRST supports them a year longer. If you're buying new hardware anyway, LEGO League uses the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kit (there's a K–2 version and a grades 6–8 version).
Where is your child heading? Kids who dream of FTC or FRC in high school may like staying inside the FIRST family.
What will local teams and schools run? Your choice often comes down to which program the clubs and schools near you sign up for. Ask your school or local team coach this spring.
How much does the research project matter to your child? Both programs include a real-world project, so kids who enjoy presenting and problem-solving will find a home in either.
How old is your child? LEGO League has a clear K–2 track with teams of four. FIRST says its program serves grades K–8, with more details coming.
What doesn't change
Here's the good news: the skills that win in either program are the same ones that win in FLL today.
Building sturdy, repeatable robots
Programming with sensors instead of guesswork (gyro driving, line following, accurate turns)
Moving from blocks to Python
Teamwork, communication and presenting ideas clearly
Our coaches already teach with the new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kit in class, alongside SPIKE, mBot2 and micro:bit, so kids get comfortable with more than one platform. If you're weighing robots for home, our robot comparison guide and kit recommendations can help.
Common questions
Can my child still do FIRST LEGO League this year?
Yes. The 2026–27 BIOGLOW season is running as planned. It's simply the last one under that name. Our BIOGLOW parent's guide explains how this season works.
Should we buy new hardware now?
Not necessarily. SPIKE is allowed in both programs for 2027–28, and FIRST supports it through 2028–29. If you're buying fresh, it makes sense to wait until FIRST shares its hardware details or your team picks a program.
Do we have to decide right now?
No. LEGO League registration is expected to open in spring 2027, and FIRST plans to share more before the 2027–28 season. Use this year to build skills.
Get your child ready for either path
You don't need to know which league you'll join to start learning. Try our free self-paced courses, like SPIKE Prime Python and Scratch, or unlock the full catalog with All-Access for $39/month with a 7-day free trial. Prefer a live coach? Remote 1-on-1 lessons are $149/month; text (619) 786-5731.
In San Diego? Our weekend group sessions in Scripps Ranch are 1.5 hours a week for ages 6–18, with no more than 10 kids, and every child works on their own project at their own pace. Your first session is free. Text (619) 786-5731 to book.
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