Skip to content

Admissions Process

Your Journey to Enrollment

At MHS, students from pre-K through 12th grade live and learn in a safe, supportive environment—with all costs covered. We enroll students year-round. Learn about the application process below or through useful tools such as our Application Journey Map. We are with you every step of the way, helping to move your student towards enrollment!

Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date

Please note, due to limited space and other factors, applications can be discontinued at any step in the process. Ensure your application is processed by keeping us up to date with contact information changes.

Application

You can submit your application online or by mail. If you have questions, log in to the Admissions Portal or contact us for help.

Start Online ApplicationDownload Paper ApplicationDownload School Information Form

Initial Review of Application and Documents

If we request more information, please mail, email, or fax the missing documents as soon as possible.

Eligible for Interview

Once you submit all the necessary documents, you may become eligible to interview.

Selected for an Interview

This is a big accomplishment! We will contact you with an interview date and communicate what this day will look like.

Campus Visit & Interview Day

Together, we will tour the campus and spend a full day getting to know each other.

Second Review of Additional Documents

We may request more information.

Candidate for Enrollment

You have made the list of potential candidates for enrollment consideration.

Third Review of Additional Documents

We may request additional information.

Acceptance to MHS

Congratulations! We will contact you to help you through the rest of the journey.

Enrollment Day

You will arrive on campus and begin your life as a Milton Hershey School Spartan!

Life on Campus

Students: You will attend new classes, get settled into your student home, and start to explore a variety of activities.

Parents/Sponsors: You will stay connected to your child through calls, emails, and campus visits. We even have a dedicated Family Relations team to support you as needed throughout your child’s time at MHS.

Learn More About Life On Campus

MHS Students Chart Their Own Path

At MHS, a world of opportunity begins with a foundation of care. In this video, students guide you through life at MHS, showcasing their unique classrooms, student homes, meals, supplies, health care, and more.

You’ll also see how students can chart their own career path with hands-on learning, mentorship, and extracurriculars to help them grow into confident, capable young adults—thanks to the generosity of our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey.

Video Poster

milton and catherine hershey statue in spartan commons

What’s the Catch?

It might sound too good to be true, but it’s real. Thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, all costs are truly covered for all enrolled students. The Hersheys gave their chocolate fortune to fund the school in perpetuity.

Every enrolled student receives:

  • Free top-tier education and hands-on learning
  • Safe housing and nutritious meals
  • Clothing, school supplies, and extracurriculars
  • Medical, dental, vision, and mental health care
  • Continued guidance and support after graduation

What’s Expected in Return?

We seek students who are respectful, hardworking, and eager to learn and grow. Our admissions process is competitive, and being accepted can be a source of pride for our families. However, we recognize that it is a significant decision. As a residential school, our students spend a lot of time away from home. That makes enrollment bittersweet for some families.

That’s why we offer many ways for parents and family members to stay connected and involved—from regular visits to school events and family weekends. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Contact Us

For more questions about the Admissions Process, please contact the Admissions team via email at [email protected] or call/text 717-647-5050.

Apply Now

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.