Welcome to Milton Hershey School

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

Founders Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Founders Hall, an iconic Milton Hershey School building and stately monument to our founders Milton and Catherine Hershey. Founders Hall contains an auditorium that serves as a meeting place for large community-wide events. One thing you'll notice when visiting Founders Hall is the beautiful combination of classic architecture, marble finishings, and modern technology. Interactive displays tell the story of our founders and our school. Thanks to the generosity of the Hersheys, we provide an exceptional educational experience allowing children to explore their individual interests to the fullest with all costs covered. Since 1909, MHS has advanced its mission by helping thousands of children pursue their passions to lead productive and fulfilling lives. In case this is your first visit, here are some tips to help you get started: -Click on the forward-facing arrow to start walking ahead or select the "Next" button to jump to the next destination. -If you already know where you want to go, simply select that location from the list on the sidebar OR click directly on the map below. -And remember to explore each destination in more detail by clicking the interactive icons included throughout each location.

You are now on the 3rd point on the tour3 trail coming from Founders Hall on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 5th point on the tour3 trail coming from Founders Hall on your way to Alumni Relations.

Elementary Division (Memorial Hall)

Tour stop audio transcript

The first few years of school are essential in setting the stage for the rest of a child's learning and life. In Milton Hershey School's Elementary Division, students in pre-K through fourth grade develop strong beginnings. They build the values, skills, and experiences students need to become confident scholars and responsible citizens. In addition to core academic subjects, students explore art and leadership courses. Our caring teachers develop meaningful relationships with students to help them reach their potential. Group and individual activities help students discover their passions and develop social skills. All school buildings have an indoor pool, playing fields, and recreational facilities to ensure that students have endless opportunities.

Middle Division (Catherine Hall)

Tour stop audio transcript

At Catherine Hall, students in fifth through eighth grade are focusing on discovery and looking toward their futures. Along the way, they build their character and social skills while doing the things they love. Students gain a strong foundation in their core academic subjects. They explore a range of other topics on a rotating basis, such as art, music, dance, technical education, and career preparation. Talented teachers and mentors emphasize hands-on learning in a collaborative and positive setting to ensure each student receives the appropriate level of challenge and support.

You are now on the 11th point on the tour3 trail coming from Middle Division (Catherine Hall) on your way to Alumni Relations.

Senior Division (Spartan Commons)

Tour stop audio transcript

Senior Division prepares students in ninth through 12th grade for lifelong success. Advanced coursework, hands-on learning, career and technical education, college preparation, and opportunities for independent living give students the skills and experiences they need to thrive. Students gain critical knowledge and experience led by passionate teachers who are committed to their success beyond MHS. There are a multitude of opportunities from which to grow and build upon, such as college courses, various career pathways, internships, co-ops, authentic work experiences, and international travel, in addition to a variety of co-curricular activities. Our goal is to graduate students who are career and life ready.

You are now on the 15th point on the tour3 trail coming from Senior Division (Spartan Commons) on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 17th point on the tour3 trail coming from Senior Division (Spartan Commons) on your way to Alumni Relations.

Learning Technology

Tour stop audio transcript

Beyond the four walls of the classroom, students are learning in a modern, digital age at MHS. All students are given access to an electronic learning device, such as an iPad or MacBook laptop, so they can enhance their educational experience. In each division, technology is woven into the academic and supplemental curriculum, so students are interacting with their teachers and other students in a 21st century learning environment. Students exercise their communication, creativity, and collaboration skills through this highly individualized one-to-one environment. In addition, we teach our students how to be responsible technology users.

You are now on the 21st point on the tour3 trail coming from Learning Technology on your way to Alumni Relations.

Career and Technical Education Program

Tour stop audio transcript

Our Career and Technical Education program, also known as CTE, and its career pathways prepare students for college and the world of work. Experts in each field lead our classroom experiences and combine tailor-made instruction and hands-on learning. The CTE program is an example of our whole child approach to education that empowers students to discover their talents and passions. The goal is for our students to learn the necessary skills to lead fulfilling and productive lives and earn family-sustaining wages. We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art facilities that simulate real work environments.

Student Home

Tour stop audio transcript

Our safe and well-maintained on-campus housing is available for MHS students year round. Along with their houseparents, students live with 8-11 other students of the same gender and similar age. Living together builds teamwork, respect, and creates a positive, inclusive environment where students build connections. We ensure a consistent routine in everyday life, giving students the structure to succeed. Community responsibilities teach children important life lessons. Experienced in working with children, MHS houseparents are married couples who coordinate all parts of the student experience beyond the classroom and work with parents and sponsors to ensure children have what they need to be healthy and thrive.

Transitional Living (Senior Year)

Tour stop audio transcript

Milton Hershey School's Transitional Living program, or TL, prepares students in 12th grade for life after graduation. TL students live together in apartments with four to five peers of the same gender. Students need to be able to navigate daily responsibilities, solve unexpected problems, and think critically. For instance, students plan a budget, shop for groceries, and prepare meals. The TL program is designed to create experiential learning opportunities with adult oversight. TL encompasses a range of functional areas: financial literacy, healthy lifestyle habits, community living, and social and emotional skill-building. Seniors living in TL are able to build their sense of responsibility, independence, and community among peers.

Health and Wellness

Tour stop audio transcript

We believe in teaching and promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle to our students that will establish lifelong habits. Our students eat well-balanced and nutritious meals, engage in physical activity, and get plenty of rest at night. We have top-tier facilities where students can exercise and play in a safe environment. It's through these fun activities where students develop meaningful friendships, participate in campus life, and take advantage of all the opportunities MHS has to offer. Whether it is spending the day at Hersheypark, swimming, riding bikes with friends, ice skating, or going on a student home vacation to the beach, our students have plenty of opportunities to be kids.

You are now on the 31st point on the tour3 trail coming from Health and Wellness on your way to Alumni Relations.

Athletics

Tour stop audio transcript

Milton Hershey School has a long tradition of developing student athletes who succeed both in the classroom and on the field, court, or pool. Whether they participate in competitive or intramural sports, our students display school pride. They demonstrate their Spartan pride by competing with courage, resilience, loyalty, and determination. Students learn that academics and sports are intertwined, and their teachers, houseparents, coaches, and parents/sponsors at home work together to help them balance priorities. MHS coaches promote the mindset that academics come first, and athletics second. Our student athletes practice and compete at our world-class, state-of-the-art facilities.

You are now on the 35th point on the tour3 trail coming from Athletics on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 37th point on the tour3 trail coming from Athletics on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 39th point on the tour3 trail coming from Athletics on your way to Alumni Relations.

Visual and Performing Arts Program

Tour stop audio transcript

The MHS Visual and Performing Arts program, or VPA, impacts students as they learn and grow, while cultivating their interests and passions. Talented students learn from expert instructors and MHS covers the cost of instruments, equipment, and lessons. Some examples of VPA offerings include dance, drama, instrumental and vocal ensembles, and visual arts, such as photography, pottery, and traditional art classes. Our community and parents/sponsors look forward to our yearly musicals, student plays, and visiting our very own art gallery. Students develop personal grit and character through VPA involvement.

You are now on the 43rd point on the tour3 trail coming from Visual and Performing Arts Program on your way to Alumni Relations.

Agricultural and Environmental Education

Tour stop audio transcript

Since Milton Hershey School's founding in 1909, agriculture has been a part of its legacy. Today, the program is known as the Agricultural and Environmental Education program, or AEE. AEE is diverse and includes components of farming, business, and development of natural resources. It engages students through hands-on learning. Our AEE program is staffed with experts who work to integrate STEM concepts into our academic programming. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Most AEE clubs are offered outside of the regular school day for students who want to participate. Our goal is to provide real-world experiences and help students decide if they have career interest in these fields.

Health Center

Tour stop audio transcript

At Milton Hershey School, we seek to educate and care for the whole child. We are committed to providing comprehensive health and wellness programs for our students because when we feel well, we can be our best! All students receive routine and preventive medical and dental care, and if needed, psychological, behavioral, and social work services while on campus. MHS doctors, nurses, dentists, and more manage visits to our health and dental clinics and provide immunizations on campus. In fact, we even facilitate ordering eyeglasses for students or orthodontic care if needed. All health and wellness costs are covered for MHS students.

You are now on the 49th point on the tour3 trail coming from Health Center on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 51st point on the tour3 trail coming from Health Center on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 53rd point on the tour3 trail coming from Health Center on your way to Alumni Relations.

Clothing Center

Tour stop audio transcript

As part of the MHS program, all students receive a full wardrobe of approximately 85 items, including everything from socks and underwear to swimsuits and snow gear. All students wear coordinated clothing daily for class, school events, visiting, and other school functions. Coordinated clothing consists of khaki pants and a polo shirt. Leisurewear is worn for work and play at the student home. Dress wear is worn for Sunday Chapel and other special occasions, such as job interviews. No matter the occasion, students have what they need to look and feel their best!

You are now on the 57th point on the tour3 trail coming from Clothing Center on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 59th point on the tour3 trail coming from Clothing Center on your way to Alumni Relations.

Year-Round Experiences

Tour stop audio transcript

Milton Hershey School's campus is open year round. Some students return to their home community over breaks and during the summer but many students choose to stay at MHS. For these students, we offer Year-Round Experiences, or YRE. We believe that learning happens beyond the traditional classroom and different educational settings help children grow their skills and knowledge. The YRE program is built upon this principle. YRE is a popular and well-attended program at MHS. Students who participate have many fun options such as athletic camps, outdoor adventures, working at Project Market, and field trips. We make sure kids have an opportunity to be kids.

You are now on the 63rd point on the tour3 trail coming from Year-Round Experiences on your way to Alumni Relations.

You are now on the 65th point on the tour3 trail coming from Year-Round Experiences on your way to Alumni Relations.

Campus Safety

Tour stop audio transcript

MHS puts campus safety and security first. We employ a professionally trained staff that is dedicated to keeping students and staff safe, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From fielding communications and dispatching resources, to handling emergency service requests, our safety team is always responsive. The state-of-the-art security building, located on central campus, accommodates this team and its advanced security technology. In fact, our safety team manages our Live Safe app that staff and students use to receive alerts and safety notifications. Our Campus Safety department has received, and continues to receive, nationally recognized public safety certifications and accreditations.

Heritage Center at Kinderhaus

Tour stop audio transcript

Kinderhaus is the oldest building on the campus and now serves as home to the Department of School History and Archives. MHS respects the traditions and heritage passed on from our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey. Today, we teach students to become kind and inclusive global citizens, critical thinkers, and effective collaborators, much like Milton Hershey was himself. Our student character and leadership development program, called the Compass Project, nurtures the whole child and empowers students to explore their interests and build leadership skills in order to form a strong foundation of fundamental life skills on which to thrive.

Graduate Programs for Success

Tour stop audio transcript

Students who attend MHS not only receive support while they are here, they also are supported after they graduate. This assistance comes from our Graduate Programs for Success Division, or GPS, and our strong alumni network. Our GPS staff coordinate postsecondary partnerships and help graduates entering college, technical programs, the workforce, or the military. MHS career counselors and transition specialists focus on increasing communication and building supportive relationships with graduates through on-site college campus visits, weekly check-ins, academic and financial aid advice, connections to the extensive MHS alumni network, and future career opportunities. Students have the incredible opportunity to accrue scholarship money throughout high school to pay for postsecondary education.

You are now on the 73rd point on the tour3 trail coming from Graduate Programs for Success on your way to Alumni Relations.

Admissions Welcome Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Our Enrollment Management and Family Relations Office supports families through the admissions and enrollment process. We believe the most rewarding opportunities come through boldness, bravery, and trying something new. If you're thinking about applying to our school, we are here to help! MHS is more than just a school—it's a welcoming community. We want to make the transition to MHS as smooth as possible, and recognize the critical role parents/sponsors and caregivers play in the success of their student. Our Family Relations team offers each family many opportunities to stay connected and is there every step of the way to support students and their families.

Alumni Relations

Tour stop audio transcript

The Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division is here to support students as they become alumni. We also work to keep graduates connected—to MHS and to each other. Milton Hershey School alumni, or "Milts," share bonds that last a lifetime. Our graduates are the people they are today thanks to MHS supporting them as they pursue their passions. More than 11,000 students have graduated from MHS and made their mark on the world and a difference in their communities.

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames