Milton Hershey School Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for Student Enrollment

Thank you for considering Milton Hershey School. We value your decision to enhance your child’s education and future. Read on to learn about our eligibility requirements, or fill out the Initial Eligibility Form. We’ll review your information and reach out with next steps!

Check If You Qualify

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

At any point in the process, if it becomes clear that MHS is not the right fit or minimum eligibility requirements are not met, our team will contact you directly. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Before applying, a child must meet the following five criteria:

Come from a low-income family

To meet the requirements of its Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School reviews the individual’s family income as part of its admissions criteria. The school considers income as it relates to the Federal Poverty Level and U.S. Census definitions. Non-cash benefits are not considered.

Each family’s situation is different. Please call us for help in determining your student’s financial eligibility.

Be 4 to 15 years old at the time of enrollment

Milton Hershey School’s Deed of Trust also states the age range of students who may be admitted. A student must be 4 to 15 years old on their enrollment date—the date they arrive and begin classes. This date applies regardless of how many times an individual has started the process to becoming a student at MHS.

Have the ability to learn at MHS

To be eligible for admission, children must attain a score of 80 or higher on an I.Q. test. In addition, the child must have demonstrated capacity to learn within the parameters of MHS academic programs, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Be free from serious behavioral problems likely to disrupt the classroom or student home life at MHS

Milton Hershey School is a unique learning and living environment. It is centered around home living with eight to 12 other students, along with a houseparent couple and sometimes their children. There are strong expectations for behavior in the student homes, in the classroom, and across the campus. Serious behavior problems can affect the fundamental nature of this unique program.

Prospective students are individually assessed for a wide range of behaviors. Milton Hershey School will assess the circumstances and potential impact of “serious behavioral problems,” defined as behavior that would be likely to disrupt life in the classroom or in the Milton Hershey School student home.

Overall, have the ability to participate in and benefit from the MHS program

Milton Hershey School is a private school. It does not have the same programs and is not required to provide the same services as a public school.

A child cannot participate in and benefit from the Milton Hershey School program if:

They require academic or other services MHS does not provide
They are unable or unwilling to meet behavior expectations

Even if a child meets all the minimum eligibility requirements, Milton Hershey School may not be the right fit for that child.

Senior Division art class

Additional Eligibility Considerations

Even if an applicant meets the Minimum Eligibility Requirements, MHS still considers a number of additional factors in admissions decisions, in its sole discretion.

Parental Availability

Need is one of the most important factors. It is anchored by a scale for parental availability. The highest priority is given to children who do not have a biological parent available to care for them.

Grade and Gender

To ensure that housing is available for students, Milton Hershey School may need to limit enrollment by grade and gender, which will affect enrollment decisions.

Personal Characteristics

MHS also considers as positive factors other prospective student characteristics, including:

Interest and motivation
Personal character
Special talent or skills
Leadership abilities (such as resilience, teamwork, persistence)

Geography

Milton Hershey School students come from many states. However, the Deed of Trust gives preference to children from the tri-county area (Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties). Children from the rest of Pennsylvania are given the next preference. After that, we recruit qualified children from across the United States.

MHS houseparents walking elementary students to school in the morning

The Decision to Enroll

Making the choice to enroll a student at MHS can be difficult, and not without sacrifice. But even while your child is away at school, you will always stay connected. Learn how MHS supports this transition, and explore resources to talk to loved ones in your life about the decision to enroll at MHS.

Review Parent/Sponsor Resources

When Can You Enroll?

Your future starts now—our largest enrollment periods are in August, September, and January, but Milton Hershey School enrolls students year round, based on need and availability, so take the first step toward an extraordinary education today.

Start Here

The Enrollment Journey

We cannot wait to help you through the enrollment journey. Discover what’s next after you have submitted the Initial Eligibility Form.

Explore the Process

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 enrollment journey 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.

See How to Stay Connected

Equal Opportunity Policy

In accordance with the Milton Hershey School’s Equal Opportunity Policy, the school admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Learn More

Eligibility Criteria