About

About Ochoa Middle School

Motto

Everyone, Every Day, the Rocket Way: Connect, Strive, Achieve, Succeed! 

Vision Statement

Ochoa Middle School provides high levels of learning for all students and prepares them to be successful in their next stages of education and to be career and college ready while building a schoolwide culture of safety, respect, and responsibility. 

History 

Ellen Ochoa Middle School is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community support. Nestled in what was once an expanse of undeveloped sagebrush in the Pasco School District, our school has grown to become a cherished institution thanks to the unwavering support of the Pasco voters who championed its creation through a construction bond in the 2000 election.

Honoring a Pioneer

Our school bears the distinguished name of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a trailblazing figure who has left an indelible mark on history. Dr. Ochoa holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic female NASA astronaut, a distinction that resonates with aspiring scientists, young women, Hispanics, and anyone who believes that excellence will eventually find its recognition and reward.

Dr. Ochoa's stellar career includes four space flights, during which she logged nearly 1,000 hours in the boundless expanse of space. Remarkably, she even found time to play the flute while orbiting Earth at a breathtaking speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

A Tribute to Exploration

Our doors opened for the first time on August 28, 2002, as the sixth school constructed using the 1988 Longfellow Elementary prototype design. Embracing the spirit of our school's namesake, we adopted a science-technology theme, inspiring our students to pursue studies in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.

In April 2002, Dr. Ochoa embarked on a mission to deliver and install trusses at the International Space Station as a Mission Specialist on the Shuttle Atlantis. On this historic journey, she carried a precious cargo: the very first Ochoa Middle School flag, adorned with our school's rocket logo. Dr. Ochoa graciously returned this flag to us during her special guest visit at the 2002 dedication ceremony, and it remains on permanent display as a symbol of our shared commitment to exploration and education.