The Pasco School District has completed construction on its new innovative high school designed to prepare students for the workforce.

Orion High School, home of the Aviators, is a 65,000-square-foot school named not for the constellation but the P3 Orion aircraft which has historical significance to the former Pasco Naval Station.

The school is located just west of Ochoa Middle School at 1901 E. Salt Lake Drive.

It was designed with input from business and industry leaders, families and students. It will serve up to 600 students and its signature programs include health sciences, engineering, advanced manufacturing and individualized career path exploration.

The school will provide an innovative approach to instruction that focuses on design thinking, cross-curricular problem-based learning, career-connected learning, and entrepreneurship. Students can earn college credit and industry certifications in addition to their high school diploma.

The school uses an open lottery system to determine admission from across the district.

Orion will open this fall with ninth-graders only and a new grade level will be added each year thereafter.

The $48 million project was completed Aug. 15. 

Fowler General Construction of Richland is the general contractor.

Design West Architects of Kennewick is the architect.