Senior Division Academics
Ninth to 12th Grade
Looking Forward
High school, also called Senior Division, is a time to think ahead. Challenging, hands-on learning prepares students for a bright future after Milton Hershey School. College and career support helps plan their path forward.
Education Program
All high school students take social studies, science, math, and English courses. They also can tailor their education with optional classes. MHS offers foreign languages, engineering, advanced mathematics, and more than 75 electives.
Highlights of the program include:
- Passionate and experienced teachers dedicated to students’ success
- The “flipped” class approach—watch lectures at home, then discuss in class
- A focus on STEAM subjects—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
- Report cards sent to the student, houseparents, and parent or sponsor
- Tutoring and help with homework when needed
- A Writing Center to improve writing skills
- A Learning Resource Center—with library and activity space, electronic databases for research, and a computer and testing lab
- Access to a personal laptop
- Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and college-level courses
- Careers exploration with the Career and Technical Education program
- College and career transition support with Graduate Programs for Success
- A Continuing Education Scholarship to earn money for college
Reflecting on the Benefits
From a top-notch education and quality student programming to less financial stress and a safe and stable environment, MHS offers students an increased opportunity for future success. MHS high school students reflect on what makes the school special and the many benefits of the MHS experience.
The Whole Child Approach
By focusing on every aspect of our students’ lives—the whole child—we aim to help them:
- Achieve academically
- Build self-esteem
- Grow as individuals
- Learn responsibility
- Grow socially and emotionally
- Take charge of their physical health and fitness
Learning by Doing
Our students also learn through career training. These experiences are unique to MHS. They give students an edge when applying for college and jobs.
Career and Technical Education
The CTE program allows students to explore 12 different career fields. By junior year, students focus on the path they are most interested in pursuing.
Internships and Co-ops
Students gain real-world experience through internships and co-ops. They work with local businesses, like The Hershey Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.
After-School Activities
Every day, high school students are involved with after-school activities. Popular clubs include music, drama, photography, and student government. Students can also play on a Spartan sports team. Activities help students develop confidence and social skills. Plus, it’s a way to create lifelong passions.
Student Home Life
Students in ninth to 11th grade live in student homes with up to 12 other students. A married houseparent couple provides daily care, structure, and guidance.
Building Independence
In Transitional Living, seniors live in apartments with a few students. They focus on building life skills to become independent adults.
Explore Spartan Commons
Drag to see a 360-degree view of the Milton Hershey School Senior Division. Then, click to engage with interactive content.
Redefining the Meaning of Family
During their time at school, our students never forget their family at home. Though, they often expand the meaning of family. Their MHS friends, houseparents, staff, and teachers become family, too. MHS graduate, Tatiana, wrote about this change in her blog post.
Preparing for the Future
While at MHS, our students are given a safe space to dream big. They work with counselors to plan their next steps after graduation. It may be college, postsecondary apprenticeships, the military, or a job. MHS also has a team that helps graduates transition from student to adult.
Student Enrollment
Does MHS sound like the right education for a child you know? Learn about the admissions criteria and application process.