Making a Difference in the Life of a Child

At Milton Hershey School, we believe that all students can be successful. We know that in order to be happy, safe, and productive, students need guidance and support in all parts of their lives. The excellent education at Milton Hershey School starts with dedicated teachers who care about each student's learning experience. Classes are small - an average of 15 students for each teacher, so each student gets individual attention and support. Students live in large, comfortable homes with 10 to 14 students in their own age group. A pair of married houseparents oversee each home, providing the structure that children need and taking an active interest in their development. We are dedicated to helping our students lead productive and fulfilling lives.

This information was taken from the pages of http://www.mhs-pa.org. I have provided a link the website.

Who We Are

Milton Hershey School is a caring community that opens new doors for children whose families could not otherwise afford it.

Some Facts

• The School is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
• The campus is monitored by 24-hour security staff.
• About 1,500 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 currently attend the School.
• 40% of our students have a brother or sister at the School.
• There is an equal number of boys and girls.
• Milton Hershey School programs are year-round.

Student Home Life: The Heart of Guidance & Support

Our students live at the School and our program is year-round. So the student home and houseparents are at the core of each child's stability and safety while they are here. Each child is cared for by a married houseparent couple who have child-care experience. Although houseparents provide guidance, support, and discipline, parents have lots of contact with their children, through phone calls, e-mail, and visits. Houseparents, teachers, and others all work together to keep you informed and in touch with your child. It's a team effort and you will play a key role.

• Student homes are large homes with comfortable common areas for eating, doing homework, and relaxing.
• Ten to 14 students of the same gender and about the same age live in each home.
• Each child shares a bedroom with one or two other children.
• Students are responsible for chores such as vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, mowing the grass, doing laundry, and helping with cooking.

School Life: An Environment for Excellence

At Milton Hershey School, students live and learn in small groups with other children their own age. There are three divisions: Elementary for grades pre-Kindergarten through 4, Middle for grades 5-8, and Senior for grades 9-12. Our academic program is designed to prepare each student for further education, the world of work, and personal excellence. The curriculum includes math, language arts, social studies, science, career/technical education, art, music, performing arts, family and consumer science, technology training, spiritual education, character development, and healthy lifestyles.

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  We believe that personal attention and good teacher relationships are central to learning. Classes are small and learning assistance is available for students having difficulty with school work.
• Older students have more flexibility to shape their curriculum. High school students often participate in co-ops and internships to explore career opportunities.
• We believe that all students should learn a trade as well as prepare for further education. High school students learn about different career pathways, such as automotive technology, health occupations, graphic communication technologies, computer-aided drafting & design (CADD), construction trades, computer information systems, culinary arts, video production, agriculture & natural resources, and business careers and technologies.

Activities: Opportunities for Growth

At Milton Hershey School, activities are more than an extra. Students here enjoy a variety of activities that help them explore their talents and interests, build leadership and character, and make friends.

• 12 varsity athletic teams
• 6 choral groups and 20 different musical instrument choices
  Animal clubs and 4H
• Theater productions
• Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and service organizations
• Internships and part-time jobs at local businesses (for high school students)
• Ice skating, swimming, biking, ice hockey, dance, and more

The Future: Where our students go after MHS

Our main goal for all of our students is that they leave the School well-prepared to enter society as productive citizens. We want all of our graduates to be good students, but we also want them to be good people, good employees, and responsible members of their communities. Our graduates continue to reflect this ethic and make us proud.

• Over 90% of Milton Hershey School graduates plan to continue their education at a two- or four-year college or trade school.
• Students may earn Milton Hershey School scholarship credits during high school to cover most of the tuition, fees, and room and board at public universities or trade schools.
• As MHS students, members of the class of 2005 could earn up to $62,500 to continue their education after graduation.
• Career counselors provide continuing support and guidance to young alumni after they graduate.

Our graduates make their mark. Milton Hershey School alumni can be found in the top ranks of business, industry, media, science and technology, and many other exciting career fields.

This information was taken from the pages of http://www.mhs-pa.org. I have provided a link the website.