MHS Fast Facts
Why We’re Here
Because a family’s income should not determine a child’s outcome, Milton Hershey School offers a cost-free education to students of need. Founded over 110 years ago by Milton and Catherine Hershey, MHS continues to change lives. Our fast facts page provides an overview of our school.
Welcome to MHS
Milton Hershey School is one of the country’s best independent schools. It offers life-changing opportunities and experiences that other schools simply cannot. Everything is provided to the students thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey—with all costs covered.
Get a snapshot of what MHS is all about. Then, go deeper.

Explore Enrollment at MHS
Take a deeper look at the enrollment process knowing we’re here to help at every step along the way.

MHS Thought Leaders
MHS hires industry leaders to best serve our students so they can break the cycle of poverty.

Who Qualifies
Milton Hershey School accepts resilient students who meet admission criteria and complete our thorough admission process satisfactorily.
Learn MoreBe Your Greatest Self
At MHS, each student is encouraged to be their greatest self. MHS classrooms have no walls, and students learn by doing, through programs that give them an early start on college and their careers.

Where Our Students Are From
We enroll students from across the United States.
- ~2,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade.
- There is an equal number of boys and girls.
- On average, our student demographic breakout is:
- 24% – Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties
- 48% – Other PA Counties
- 28% – States other than PA

Home Life
All students are cared for in a loving, family-like environment. Education in the Judeo-Christian faith, the heritage of the school’s founders, is part of the MHS program and includes daily devotions and Sunday Chapel services.
- 180+ student homes, each with eight to 12 students, led by 450+ houseparents.
- Seniors live together in 10 Transitional Living apartment-style buildings to prepare them for independent living after graduation. Professional TL staff provide oversight.

Included at No Cost to Families
- Tuition and housing (with 24/7 security)
- Healthy meals and snacks
- School and casual clothing
- School supplies and computers
- Medical and dental care (including glasses and medications)
- Counseling services
- Tutoring and personal academic assistance
- All field trips, activities, and equipment (sports and instruments)

Institutional Growth
MHS is committed to expanding its mission. Our goal is to provide more children with this life-changing opportunity. We strive to grow enrollment to 2,300 students.
In the 2021-22 school year, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning broke ground on its first Early Learning Resource Center in Hershey, Pa.
Review Our Strategic PlanLearn about Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning