Student Life on Campus
The Student Experience
Milton Hershey School provides all of its students, pre-K through 12th grade, the opportunity to succeed. Through top-notch academics, personal attention, hands-on learning, religious and character programs, and skills for life, our students are prepared for what’s next.
On-campus housing provides stability and safety for MHS students. It is available year round and supports the whole child. Peek into what this experience is like for an MHS student.
Student Home Life (Pre-K Through 11th Grade)
MHS operates more than 180 student homes on campus. Each home houses up to 12 students from the same division. Students live, learn, share, and grow with their housemates and houseparents. Many times, the children come to view each other as members of an extended family. Houseparents coordinate all parts of the student experience beyond the classroom and ensure children have what they need to be healthy and thrive.
Explore a Student Home
Drag to see a 360-degree view of a Milton Hershey School student home. Then, click to engage with interactive content.
Transitional Living (12th Grade)
Milton Hershey School’s Transitional Living (TL) program prepares senior students for life after graduation. For our students’ final year at MHS, they move out of their student homes and spend their 12th-grade year living independently in apartment-style residences on campus, with adult supervision. Seniors living in TL can build their sense of responsibility, independence, and community, and are challenged to make practical decisions nearly every day.
Explore a Senior Apartment
Drag to see a 360-degree view of a Milton Hershey School Transitional Living student apartment. Then, click to engage with interactive content.
The Role of Houseparents
Student homes provide a real family-like setting. Houseparent couples run each student home and care for the children who live there. They provide day-to-day guidance, support, and discipline essential to student success. Houseparents take an active, nurturing interest in their students. While no one can replace a student’s primary caregiver, houseparents ensure students have full support while at school and actively partner with each parent/sponsor.
Learn More About Houseparenting
Transitional Living Staff
Transitional Living apartments are supervised by at least two Residential Living Assistants (RLAs) who live in each building, teaching seniors essential life skills while serving as mentors and role models. Rotating schedules ensure consistent coverage, with at least one adult, and often two, on duty whenever students are in the building. Flex TL staff are also assigned as needed to support each building.
Learn More About RLAs
A Day in the Life: Student Schedules
Students in each of the divisions have busy, fulfilling days at MHS.
Elementary Student Weekday Schedule
6:15 a.m. – Students rise and make beds
7:00 a.m. – Devotions
7:05 a.m. – Breakfast in the student home
7:30 a.m. – Clean up and student home responsibilities
7:50 a.m. – Arrive at school
8:oo a.m. – Homeroom
8:18 a.m. – Classes begin
3:10 p.m. – Classes end; Return to student home or remain for activities until 4:15 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – Dinner in the student home
6:00 p.m. – Free time
7:30-9 p.m. – Bedtime (time varies based on age)
Middle Student Weekday Schedule
5:30 a.m. – Students rise and make beds
6:00 a.m. – Student home responsibilities, devotions, and breakfast
7:20 a.m. – Leave for school
7:45 a.m. – Classes begin
2:45 p.m. – Classes end; After-school activities such as tutoring, sports, and clubs begin
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Dinner in the student home
6:30 p.m. – Clean up and free time
7:00 p.m. – Study/quiet time
8:30-9:30 p.m. – Bedtime (varies based on behavior and activities)
Senior Student Weekday Schedule
7:00 a.m. – All students get dressed and check-in for breakfast and morning meeting
7:10 a.m. – Personal hygiene, tidy rooms, and morning chores completed
7:40 a.m. – Leave for school
8:00 a.m. – Classes begin
3:00 p.m. – Classes end; tutoring, athletic programming, and clubs begin
5:30 p.m. – Dinner in the student home
6:00 p.m. – Meal clean-up
6:30 p.m. – Study/quiet time
8:00 p.m. – Devotions
8:30 p.m. – Free time/evening snack
9:45 p.m. – Electronics turn-in
10:00 p.m. – Bedtime
Student Activities
Students across all divisions at MHS stay actively engaged each day in the activities they love, from sports and music to arts, leadership, and collaborative projects. Group and individual experiences help them build confidence, strengthen social skills, and explore their passions. No matter their division, every student receives full access to the resources they need—including sports equipment, musical instruments, and other activity materials—with all costs covered.
Explore Clubs and Activities
