NASA-Inspired STEM Challenges

RAAC Academy’s Space Mission Lab immerses students in real-world STEM challenges inspired by NASA’s national programs. Through collaborative problem-solving, research, and engineering design, students gain hands-on experience that builds confidence, resilience, and scientific thinking. Participation in external national challenges varies by year and availability, but the learning remains constant: rigorous, mission-driven, and future-focused.
Our students earned First Place Nationals through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance—demonstrating that young minds, when given the right environment, can achieve extraordinary outcomes. Explore the NASA-Inspired Space Mission Course HERE.

RAAC Academy 2021 NASA Team SOAR students with asteroid roads mission track

2021 National Champions — Team SOAR

Mission Theme: Soaring Over Asteroid Roads; Completed during the 2021 national challenge cycle.

Designed creative solutions to real NASA challenges
Won 1st place nationally during the pandemic
NASA mailed prizes directly to each student
Students sparked lifelong passion for STEM

2023 National Champions — Team Moon Surfers

Mission Theme: Artemis II – Exploration of the Moon’s Southern Region; Completed during the 2023 national challenge cycle.

Developed & presented 8 lunar mission prototypes
Selected as Top Overall Winners nationwide
Invited to Cape Canaveral to celebrate victory
Recognized for innovation, teamwork & perseverance

Student Outcomes

Our outcomes go beyond grades — we develop thinkers, creators, and confident leaders.

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Measurable Academic Growth

Students demonstrate strong improvement in STEM mastery, analytical reasoning, and applied problem-solving.

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Creative & Critical Thinking

Project-based learning strengthens innovation, experimentation, and design thinking skills.

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Confidence & Leadership

Students gain confidence through presentations, teamwork, and real achievement milestones.

Parents Reviews

What Parents Have to Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Tatlin brickman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love this academy! The activities are so creative and fun that the kids don’t even realize they’re learning. Rachna is incredibly thoughtful and truly passionate about working with children. It’s such a positive, enriching environment. We’re so grateful to be part of it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ahershey76 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved our experience with RAAC Academy. Mrs. Rachna is an incredible teacher, very knowledgeable, patient and kind. She made the NASA project an amazing success for our son! Although it was very stressful at times, she helped the team navigate the challenges with the utmost professionalism and care. We highly recommend RAAC academy!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katya Panina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Two of my daughters have enjoyed RAAC NASA Space Exploration class. Ms. Rachna's enthusiasm and dedication have no boundaries. We're very grateful for this opportunity!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Siury Pulgar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have known teacher Rachna for 7 years now. She is incredibly caring and smart. RAAC Academy offers very valuable courses which are perfect for homeschooling families as well as traditional students who want to supplement with additional learning experiences. Over the years, my kids have taken grammar, math, spelling, Lego robotics, and participated in the NASA challenge. I highly recommend RAAC Academy and her leader Teacher Rachna.
  
 
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   Heather Sossaman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My two teens had a great experience taking the AI (Artificial Intelligence) class at RAAC Academy. They learned how the AI of machines and software is different than the intelligence of human beings. Through hands on project work using AI to design and play games, they came away with an understanding of how AI is a useful tool humans can use to solve problems. Their eyes have been opened to new ideas and new ways of seeing the world. I would highly recommend the team at RAAC Academy!
  
 
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   Deepti Nischal Kothapalli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We met Rachna through a recommendation from another parent who was very happy with her teaching approach. We were instantly impressed with Rachna and her interactions with my son. She designed the Math curriculum according to my Son's requirements and his capabilities. She genuinely cares about her students. My son loves attending Rachna's classes and never feels bored. Rachna keeps the students engaged all through the session with hands on activities and quizzes. She is one of the best teachers I have met.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karina Nevarez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I enrolled my child in Personal Finance, Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, and Collaborate and Elaborate. Rachna inspired, encouraged and challenged him. He would come home full of ideas and excited to continue learning with her. I have never seen a 9 year old so excited to create a business and website! She was very patient and considerate of any learning challenges he had, which I greatly appreciated. I love the small class sizes that allow for such a tailored learning experience.

My son would like to add that he loves the finance classes because he enjoyed playing the stock market game and the worksheets. He learned so much about building a website and marketing.
  
 
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   Janine Mallory 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachna Patel is a talented STEM educator who goes above and beyond to engage and support her students. My kids have taken RAAC courses in science, history, art, along with reading & math enrichment.  Mrs. Rachna’s teaching style truly captures my kids’ attention, sparking their curiosity and love for learning. Her ability to connect with each child, adapting to their unique learning styles and needs, has made a lasting impact. She's flexible, patient, and always provides the right amount of support to help them succeed. I’m incredibly grateful for her dedication and the positive influence she’s had on my kids’ education. RAAC has also offered amazing opportunities for my eldest son, who participated in the NASA Explorations course in 8th grade, where he and his team won 1st place in the Artemis Roads Challenge, which led to a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida where they met with NASA scientists, saw a live space shuttle launch, and had the time of their lives doing real-world science with their peers across the US. This experience has been unmatched thus far in our educational journey. RAAC is the real-deal!
  
 
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   Olivia Chan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachna's dedication to her students is truly admirable. She makes learning fun. She creates a safe and supportive classroom environment, with a hands-on and an interactive approach, keeping kids engaged even with challenging projects. Her caring commitment to her students makes a lasting impact--my son will always remember his time in Mrs. Rachna's class as the most fun of all time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carla Mattos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son participated in the NASA challenge by Ms. Rachna. He learned so much and had so much fun. She creates a healthy environment where kids can ask questions and use their curiosity to explore new ideas.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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