Four student drone teams from Harmony School of Excellence are soaring to new heights after qualifying for the 2026 Aerial Drone Competition South Central Championship in Frisco, Texas.

The teams — Flying Chihuahuas, Flying Raccoons, Pixie Pilots and Rotor Monkeys — earned their championship spots through strong performances in regional competitions, demonstrating advanced skills in drone piloting, programming and engineering. Their success reflects years of dedication, practice and collaboration within Harmony’s growing drone program.

Over the past four years, Harmony’s drone teams have accumulated more than 13 competition awards, establishing themselves as consistent contenders in a rapidly evolving STEM field. Students take on a variety of roles, including pilots, coders and engineers, working together to navigate complex flight challenges that demand precision, strategy and problem-solving.

“These students put in countless hours learning, testing and improving,” said Coach Joshua Gandara. “They are not just flying drones. They are building confidence, leadership skills and a deeper understanding of how technology can shape the future.”

The Aerial Drone Competition South Central Championship brings together top student teams from across the region. Participants face a series of challenges that simulate real-world drone applications, from autonomous navigation to timed flight missions. The experience exposes students to career pathways in aviation, robotics, computer science and engineering.

For the students at Harmony School of Excellence, qualifying for the championship represents more than a competitive milestone. It is a testament to perseverance, teamwork and the power of hands-on learning. Many team members joined the program with little to no prior experience and have grown into confident competitors through mentorship and practice.

Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas continues to expand opportunities in STEM education, and the success of the drone teams highlights the impact of innovative programs that encourage students to explore, experiment and excel.

As the championship approaches, the Harmony drone teams are preparing to represent their school and community with pride, skill and determination — ready to show just how far they can fly.

Harmony Public Schools Central Texas is a tuition-free public charter school district with nine campuses across the Austin metroplex serving students in grades PK–12. The district offers an award-winning, nationally recognized STEM curriculum, strong character education, and 100% college acceptance. Students can apply at HarmonyTX.org/apply.