Milton Hershey School Facts
A Life-Changing Education
At Milton Hershey School, we transform lives by offering an exceptional educational experience in a nurturing, positive environment—all at no cost to families. With a proud legacy of graduates, a team of dedicated professionals, and deep roots in the Hershey community, MHS is more than a school—it’s a place where potential meets opportunities.
Do you know a child who could benefit? Learn more through our fast facts below and discover what makes MHS a unique and impactful community.
Welcome to MHS
MHS is a top-tier private school for qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade, offering life-changing opportunities and experiences that other schools simply cannot. Based on the Deed of Trust left by Milton and Catherine Hershey, the school covers all costs to this day for all students.
Get a snapshot of what MHS is all about. Then, go deeper.
Enroll a Student
Review admissions criteria and the application process. It will help you decide if MHS is the right fit!
Virtual Open House
Hear from students and admissions recruiters as they walk you through the MHS experience. Join us!
Refer a Student
Know a student who could benefit from MHS? MHS enrolls students year round, and we’re here to help!
Who Qualifies
MHS accepts resilient students who meet admission criteria and complete our thorough admission process satisfactorily.
Explore QualificationsFast Facts: MHS Basics
Founded in 1909 by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, MHS offers qualifying children an exceptional education with all costs covered. We educate children in pre-K through 12th grade.
MHS is located in beautiful Hershey, Pennsylvania.
It is 25 minutes from Harrisburg and 90 minutes from Baltimore. It is just under two hours from Philadelphia.
Visit Hershey, PA
At more than 7,000 acres, the MHS campus is one of the largest in the United States.
The MHS campus is one of the most well-resourced, technologically advanced, and well-maintained educational institutions in the nation.
Our facilities include:
- 203 buildings
- Six swimming pools
- Animal barns
- A 7,000-seat stadium
- 2,315 student computers
Building Foundations for Future Success
MHS is full of opportunities at every turn. The opportunity to learn lessons in a classroom and skills for daily life. The opportunity to play in the band, take up ballet, or join the soccer team. The opportunity to approach graduation with confidence and a plan. Most importantly, just be a kid.
Where Our Students Are From
We enroll students from across the United States.
- More than 2,100 students, pre-K through 12th grade.
- 52% female, 48% male.
- On average, our student demographic breakout is:
- 20% – Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties
- 46% – Other PA Counties
- 34% – States other than PA
Fast Facts: MHS Academics
MHS consists of three divisions. Each one emphasizes the specific needs of the ages it serves.
- Elementary Division: Pre-K through Fourth Grade
- Middle Division: Fifth through Eighth Grade
- Senior Division: Ninth through 12th Grade
MHS employs 190 caring, talented teachers committed to whole child education.
We hire the best in their respective fields to give our students the best possible classroom experience.
Each MHS student graduates with at least one industry-recognized certification.
- Students choose and focus on career pathways inside of career program areas.
- Students are encouraged to participate in internships/co-ops and/or apprenticeships.
Home Life
MHS can’t replace the feeling of home. We are here to partner with our student’s families. Working together, we can give your child a consistent routine in everyday life.
Living on campus allows them to pursue their interests. All students are cared for in a loving, family-like environment:
- 180+ student homes, each with approximately 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.
Fast Facts: MHS Experience
MHS is committed to providing IT tools. We offer the technological education students need for future success. There are more computers than there are people at MHS.
IT points of pride include:
- High-tech “smart” classrooms
- Laptops for Senior Division students
- Computers in the student homes
MHS offers experiences that help young people pursue their passions and grow.- We offer sports, arts, leadership development, and so much more.
- The school provides everything students need to participate.
Whatever they do after graduation, MHS students lead successful lives.
- Four out of five students generally plan to pursue some type of postsecondary education.
- MHS students can accrue up to $115,000 in scholarships for college or career education. Strong academic performance and good citizenship are the basis.
Included with All Costs Covered for 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)
Shape Futures as Staff
Working here is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape the future. Every team member plays a vital role in transforming the lives of the students we serve. Be part of something meaningful—where every day brings purpose and opportunity.
MHS is growing to serve more students. We are hiring mission-minded professionals to join us in honoring the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey.
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 serve more students.
Since the announcement of Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, the school has opened CHS Hershey, CHS Harrisburg, and broken ground on CHS Middletown. CHS plans to open more locations in Lancaster City, New Danville, and Elizabethtown in the coming years.