Milton Hershey School Welcomes More Than 180 Students to Campus as Part of School Expansion

On Sunday, July 29, Milton Hershey School hosted an Enrollment Day for 185 new students who will be entering middle school and high school during the 2018-19 school year. On August 6, 90 Elementary Division students will enroll and begin their journeys at the school.

Growing the student body is part of Milton Hershey School President Pete Gurt’s 2020 Vision strategic plan. MHS is committed to expanding its enrollment to 2,300 students by 2020 to provide a top-notch education and nurturing home life environment to more children from across the country.

“By continuing to enroll more students, we are able to offer life-changing opportunities to more children than ever before,” MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 said. “It is part of our commitment to expanding the timeless vision of Milton and Catherine Hershey so we can help these students lead fulfilling and productive lives.”

During Enrollment Day, newly enrolled students were greeted by their peers who waved handmade signs and excitedly welcomed them to campus. Members of the school’s enrollment management and family relations, health center, technology, and operations teams helped newly enrolled students and their families navigate campus and successfully transition to MHS. Staff also shared advice and resources to help parents/sponsors support and encourage their students throughout the school year.

These same students met their houseparents for the first time and learned more about the high-quality programs and activities available at MHS. Following Enrollment Day, new students will participate in a program called New Spartan Academy where they will be introduced to specific buildings and programs and discover the wide range of opportunities on campus.

As part of the school’s expansion, MHS is currently constructing 32 new student homes on its Legacy Campus in South Hanover Township. The student homes have been named after places that played a significant role in the lives of founders Milton and Catherine Hershey.

Learn more about the school’s 2020 Vision strategic plan, and see what Enrollment Day is like for students and families by following our Spartan Sponsor blog.