Milton Hershey School: Admission, Programs, Tuition, Ranking, Scholarships

The most rewarding opportunities are boldness, bravery, and trying something new. Look closely at Milton Hershey School admissions requirements, programs offered, tuition, ranking, and scholarship opportunities.

The Milton Hershey School is a private philanthropic Pre-K through 12 boarding school in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Milton and Catherine Hershey founded Milton Hershey School in 1909 to provide a school and home for orphaned boys out of a strong desire and unwavering concern for the growth, development, and education of all children, incredibly the less privileged.

See the table of contents below for a quick overview of this post.

Table of Contents

About Milton Hershey School

Originally named the Hershey Industrial School, the institution was founded and funded by chocolate industrialist Milton Snavely Hershey and his wife, Catherine Sweeney Hershey.

The Milton Hershey School is a private philanthropic (Pre-K through 12) boarding school in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that has transformed the lives of over 10,000 children from lower-income families through the provision and access to high-quality education and home life.

Milton Hershey School is a product of the vision shared by Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, to provide a home and education for orphaned children. That single dream has evolved into a multi-campus school and home to over 2,000 students from across the United States.

At MHS, each student is encouraged to be their greatest self. MHS classrooms have no walls, and students learn by doing through programs that give them an early start on college and their careers.

It offers life-changing opportunities and experiences that other schools simply cannot. Everything is provided at no cost to students, thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey.

Why Should I Study At Milton Hershey School?

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. 

At MHS, students are encouraged to be their greatest selves. MHS classrooms have no walls, and students learn by doing through programs that give them an early start on college and their careers.

In keeping with the school’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children on social and financial needs to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Milton Hershey School offers a cost-free education to all underprivileged students who can’t afford school. Therefore, the school accepts students of financial need who meet admission criteria and complete the admission process satisfactorily.

Milton Hershey School Rankings

According to niche.com, Milton Hershey School ranks

National

  • 213 of 7,099 as the most diverse private high schools in America
  • 336 of 25,769 Best High Schools for Athletes in America
  • 365 of 399 Best Boarding High Schools in America

Pennsylvania

  • 13 of 1,005 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
  • 18 of 23 Best Boarding High Schools in Pennsylvania
  • 51 of 99 Best Private K-12 Schools in Pennsylvania
  • 107 of 189 Best College Prep Private High Schools in Pennsylvania
  • 111 of 196 Best Private High Schools in Pennsylvania
  • 3 of 348 Most Diverse Private High Schools in Pennsylvania

Dauphin County

  • 1 of 17 Best High Schools for Athletes in Dauphin County
  • 1 of 5 Most Diverse Private High Schools in Dauphin County
  • 2 of 3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Dauphin County
  • 3 of 4 Best College Prep Private High Schools in Dauphin County
  • 3 of 4 Best Private High Schools in Dauphin County

Programs Offered At Milton Hershey School

MHS offers three programs. Each one emphasizes the specific needs of the ages it serves.

  • Elementary Division: Pre-K through Fourth Grade
  • Middle Division: Fifth through Eighth Grade
  • Senior Division: Ninth through 12th Grade

Elementary Division: Pre-K through Fourth Grade

Milton Hershey School gives children a strong foundation in both education and life. In pre-K through fourth grade, students build the values, skills, and knowledge to lead them through life.

Everyone takes math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies classes at this level. Students participate in fun activities daily to build confidence and social skills. From music and art to sports and scouts, our students begin to discover their passions. MHS provides all equipment.

The entire program includes:

  • Passionate teachers with experience and advanced degrees.
  • Small class sizes of just 12 students per classroom.
  • Lessons that combine learning with technology.
  • Progress reports reviewing areas of strength and improvement.
  • Academic help, such as tutoring, when needed.

Middle Division: Fifth through Eighth Grade

Our Middle Division academic program focuses on performance and keeping students engaged. This is achieved by creating a positive and supportive setting for students to shift from children to young adults in fifth to eighth grade.

The Middle Division academic program gives students the attention they deserve through small class sizes. This enables the teachers to know every student’s capability and work in synergy to create an atmosphere of limitless learning potential.

In the Middle Division, smart boards and cameras are adopted to enhance classroom learning. Also, students explore internet safety and learn to use standard software and online tools.

The full learning program offers:

  • Reading and math support with hands-on lessons.
  • Choice of after-school activities, like sports or creative arts.
  • Career exploration through field trips, job shadowing, and guest speakers.
  • Health and wellness education—dental care, diet and exercise, positive body image, social skills, and standing up for others.

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Senior Division: Ninth through 12th Grade

High school is a time when students get the challenging hands-on learning that prepares them for college and supports their career plans.

All high school students take science, math, and English courses. They also can tailor their education with optional classes. MHS offers foreign languages, advanced math, engineering, carpentry, and more.

Students have many opportunities to learn, whether in the classroom, on the court or field, or in real-world work opportunities.

Our students also learn through career training. These experiences are unique to MHS. They give students an edge when applying for college and jobs.

In addition to classroom activities, high school students are involved with after-school activities like sports, music, drama, photography, and student government.

The program offers:

  • Passionate and experienced teachers dedicated to students’ success
  • The “flipped” class approach—watch lectures at home, then discuss in class
  • A focus on STEAM subjects—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
  • Tutoring and helping with homework when needed
  • A Writing Center to improve writing skills
  • A Learning Resource Center—with library and activity space, electronic databases for research, and a computer and testing lab
  • Access to a personal laptop
  • Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and college-level courses
  • Careers exploration with the Career and Technical Education program
  • College and career transition support with Graduate Programs for Success
  • Continuing Education Scholarship to earn money for college

What Is Milton Hershey School Student Home Like?

On-campus housing provides stability and safety for MHS students. It is available year-round and supports the whole child. Houseparents control and monitor the student experience beyond the classroom and ensure children have what they need to be healthy and thrive.

Milton Hershey School operates more than 180 student homes on campus. Each home houses up to 12 students from the same division. Here, students learn to live, share, and grow with their housemates and houseparents.

Student homes provide a real family setting. Houseparent couples run each student’s home and care for the children who live there. They provide day-to-day guidance, support, and discipline to the children in their care.

How To Apply To Milton Hershey School

Getting into MHS is a seamless process that requires you to meet some minimum requirements. Each year, Milton Hershey School receives far more applications from individuals who meet the minimum qualifications for admission than the school can accept. Learn more about our admissions criteria.

Admissions Minimum Qualifications

A child must meet the following five criteria to be considered for enrollment.

  • Come from a family of lower-income
  • Be 4-15 years old at the time of enrollment
  • Have the ability to learn
  • Be free of serious behavioral problems that are likely to disrupt life in the classroom or a student’s home life at MHS
  • Be able to participate and benefit from the school’s program

Even if an applicant meets the above minimum qualifications, admission is not guaranteed.

Milton Hershey School considers several factors in making decisions regarding recruitment, selection for interview, and admission. One of the most critical factors is measured by a scale for parental availability, with the highest score given to children who do not have either biological parents available to care for them.

Additionally, MHS considers applicants’ interests and motivations, personal character, unique talents or skills, leadership abilities, and contribution to the diversity of the student body.

Although current students come from many states, by the school’s Deed of Trust, children from the tri-county area and children from the rest of Pennsylvania are given some preference during the admissions process.

When Can I Apply To Milton Hershey School?

The largest enrollment period is in August, September, and January. The school admits fewer children in other months of the year. On average, it is a nine-month process—apply now for 2024!

CLICK TO APPLY

How Much Is Milton Hershey School Tuition?

As mentioned earlier on, MHS is a tuition-free institution where everything is provided at no cost. Because a family’s income should not determine a child’s outcome, Milton Hershey School offers a cost-free education to needy students.

Are There Scholarship Opportunities At Milton Hershey School?

The Continuing Education Scholarship (CES) has been established to provide scholarship aid to eligible Milton Hershey School graduates pursuing full-time study in an accredited undergraduate program lasting at least 9 months. This program must be a classroom program that leads to a diploma certificate or degree from a U.S. institution.

The CES program helps MHS graduates who demonstrate the ability and desire to succeed in their full-time post-secondary school studies fund their higher education programs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Activate CES funds within five (5) years of MHS graduation;
  • Enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. undergraduate in-classroom degree program;
  • Live on-campus or commute from home during the first & second years of post-secondary school;
  • Maintain a minimum 2.00 term & cumulative GPA;
  • Successful completion of 12 new credits/term for students attending 2-year colleges or tech schools

APPLY HERE

Conclusion

It is one duty to care; it’s another to be responsive. Milton Hershey School is one of the highly-rated philanthropic schools in Pennsylvania that caters to underprivileged children. Do well to go through this article to find out more details carefully.

FAQs On Milton Hershey School

What does Milton Hershey School offer?

MHS offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and career paths.

Who owns the Milton Hershey School?

The school was founded by a trust established by founders Milton and Catherine Hershey in 1909 to provide for the health, education, and welfare of the children at the school.

How much does it cost to attend Milton Hershey School?

Admission to Milton Hershey School is 100% free to families who qualify for enrollment. The free admission includes housing, healthy meals and snacks, all extracurricular activities and equipment, clothing, school supplies, medical and dental care, and more.

What is the dress code for Milton Hershey School?

Students must be dressed “plainly, neatly, and comfortably, without distinctive attire,” according to the Deed of Trust. All students at MHS are given a complete wardrobe consisting of about 85 things as one of the school’s founding principles. Every kid can find the perfect outfit for any situation.

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