Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School: Providing Free Education and a Stable Home

Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a private, cost-free educational institution located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to providing children from low-income families with a comprehensive education and a stable home environment. The school was founded in 1909 by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, embodying their vision to offer children opportunities they might not otherwise have.

The campus spans approximately 10,174 acres, with about 7,500 acres dedicated to educational facilities. The main campus covers 3,340 acres, providing ample space for various academic and extracurricular activities.

School Divisions and Education Programs

MHS serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It offers a holistic approach that includes rigorous academics, vocational training, and character development. The school is divided into three divisions:

• Elementary Division: For students from pre-kindergarten through 4th grade, focusing on laying a strong academic foundation.
• Middle Division: Serving grades 5 through 8, building on academic skills while introducing specialized subjects.
• Senior Division: Encompassing grades 9 through 12, preparing students for post-secondary education and the workforce.

Student Homes and Community Environment

A distinctive feature of MHS is its "student homes." Groups of 8 to 12 students of the same gender and similar age live together under the care of married houseparents. This creates a family-like environment, ensuring personalized attention and support for each child.

Career and Technical Education Program

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program begins in 5th grade. It offers activities tailored to students’ specialized interests. High school students can explore career pathways like:

• Automotive technology
• Health occupations
• Graphic communication technologies
• Computer-aided drafting & design (CADD)
• Construction trades
• Computer information systems
• Culinary arts
• Video production
• Agriculture & natural resources
• Business careers and technologies

Extracurricular Activities and Student Engagement

MHS emphasizes well-rounded development through extracurricular activities. It offers:

• 12 varsity athletic teams
• 6 choral groups
• 20 different musical instrument choices
• Animal clubs
• Theater productions
• Scouting movements
• Internships and part-time jobs at local businesses

These opportunities promote student growth beyond academics.

Financial Strength and Mission

The school's endowment, valued at around $15 billion in 2020, is among the largest in the United States. This financial strength enables MHS to provide a cost-free education to its students.

Milton Hershey School's mission is to prepare children for productive and fulfilling lives, ensuring they receive the support to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Locations

In addition to Hershey, Pennsylvania, Milton Hershey School has a presence in multiple US locations to broaden its impact, including:

• Berwyn, IL, USA
• Edmond, OK, USA
• Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
• Fayetteville, NC, USA
• Clearwater, FL, USA
• Billings, MT, USA
• Hialeah, FL, USA
• Kenosha, WI, USA
• Gulfport, MS, USA
• Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
• Fargo, ND, USA
• Newport News, VA, USA
• Huntsville, AL, USA
• Salt Lake City, UT, USA
• Chula Vista, CA, USA
• Fullerton, CA, USA
• Wichita, KS, USA
• Birmingham, AL, USA
• Denton, TX, USA
• Austin, TX, USA