About Milton Hershey School
The Mission of Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade live and learn on campus and receive an exceptional educational experience—with all costs covered. Milton and Catherine Hershey founded the school in 1909 with money they earned from the chocolate company. Since then, the lives of more than 12,000 children from qualifying families have been transformed through high-quality education and structured home life.
Review Our Mission and Sacred Values
Our Founders
Milton Hershey believed that every person is “morally obligated to share the fruits of success with others.” This belief resulted in great contributions to his community and the world. He and his wife, Catherine, wanted to put their growing fortune to good use, starting our school in 1909.
School History
Milton Hershey School has a rich history of more than 116 years, starting as a school for orphans focused on agricultural and vocational training. Now, it serves as a safe, supportive community for more than 2,200 students seeking an education for life.
The department of school history maintains MHS artifacts and records, hosts exhibits, and provides research assistance. They also accept artifact donations to preserve MHS history.
State of the School
See where our school stands today through the Brown & Gold Annual Report. To understand where we’re heading, The GIFT Strategic Framework outlines our vision for the future.
School Leadership
Built on the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, Milton Hershey School thrives today thanks to strong school leadership. Learn about the people, plans, and resources that sustain the Hersheys’ dream in perpetuity.
Meet Our LeadershipCampus Tour
Located in scenic Hershey, Pennsylvania, our 7,000-acre campus has much to explore. Our school features a unique blend of modern facilities and historic landmarks. Learn how to visit campus.
Can’t make it in person?
Navigate virtually through our campus, gaining an inside look at our top-tier facilities, classrooms, and student homes. You can begin by clicking on the icon below.
Hershey Community Partnerships
Milton Hershey’s businesses still thrive today, and we consider them partners in our mission. Known within the “family” as the Hershey entities, these companies support MHS financially through corporate profits. They also connect with MHS students in meaningful ways through internships, mentorship, and more.
Learn About the Hershey Entities
Inspired by Milton Hershey School
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is a subsidiary of Milton Hershey School. CHS provides a cost-free educational, social, and cognitive day program to children of low-income families from birth to age 5. Its Early Childhood Resource Centers are located in Pennsylvania.
CHS was inspired by MHS and is operated independently of the MHS core model.
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