Choice High School Options for Fall 2025: Applications Now Open!

Dear Pasco Families,

We are excited to share that all Pasco students have a boundary-assigned high school, but they also have the choice to apply to one of our three exceptional choice high schools for Fall 2025.

Applications are now open for:

• Delta High School (STEM-focused learning)
• Orion High School (Career & College Academy)
• Virtual New Horizons High School (online learning with teacher support)

These choice high schools offer unique programs and learning environments designed to meet diverse student needs and interests. Learn more below!

Delta High School

As the region’s only STEM-focused high school, Delta High School provides a personalized, collaborative learning environment centered on:

• Focus Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
• Who Can Apply: Current 8th-grade students residing in Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland school districts.
• Seats Available: 130 students, selected via a random lottery.
• Apply Online: Class of 2029 Delta Student Application
• Application Deadline: February 14, 2025

Family Information Sessions:

• Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Delta High School at 6 PM
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Delta High School at 6 PM

Both sessions include student-led campus tours!

For more information, visit Delta's website or contact Melanie Casciato at melanie.casciato@thedeltahighschool.com or 509-416-7860 ext. 5927.

Orion High School

Orion High School is a Career & College Academy offering innovative programs in a state-of-the-art facility focused on:

• Focus Areas:
  • Health Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Individualized Career Pathways
• Who Can Apply: Current 8th-grade students residing in Pasco School District boundaries.
• Apply Online: Apply in English, Spanish, or Russian.
• Application Deadline: February 14, 2025

Family Information Sessions:

• Wednesday, January 8: McLoughlin Middle School (6 – 7 PM)
• Thursday, January 9: Ochoa Middle School (6 – 7 PM)
• Monday, January 13: Ray Reynolds Middle School (6 – 7 PM)
• Wednesday, January 15: Stevens Middle School (6 – 7 PM)

For more information, visit our Orion High School website or contact Principal Seth Johnson at sejohnson@psd1.org.

Virtual New Horizons High School

New Horizons offers a virtual learning experience where students can learn from home with daily teacher instruction and support through Zoom.

• Focus Area: Alternative online learning environment with high school teacher support.
• Who Can Apply: Current 8th–12th grade students residing in Pasco. Interested students currently enrolled in Pasco School District should contact their counselor to apply.
• Current PIXeL Students: 8th graders enrolled in PIXeL who wish to remain virtual will be enrolled automatically.

Virtual Family Information Session for virtual learning options including Virtual New Horizons and iPAL:

• Join us via Zoom on Thursday, February 6 at 6 pm.

• Zoom Link

For more information, visit our Virtual New Horizons High School webpage or contact Principal Becky Hitchman at bhitchman@psd1.org.