Milton Hershey School | Diversity Employer

The MHS Story

Milton Hershey School is a cost-free, private school for boys and girls in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Milton and Catherine Hershey founded the school in 1909 with money they earned from the chocolate company. Since then, the lives of more than 10,000 children from working-class families with lower income have been transformed through high-quality education and structured home life.

Milton Hershey School History

Milton Hershey School began as a dream and vision shared by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine (Kitty). The Hersheys loved children but were unable to have their own. Instead, they decided to use their wealth to create a home and school for orphaned boys. The history of Milton Hershey School dates back to its founding on Nov. 15, 1909.

Our Guiding Principles

In keeping with the school’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. This happens by achieving our mission and Sacred Values—an unwavering commitment our community makes each and every day.


Mission Statement

The mission of Milton Hershey School remains true to the ideals upon which it was founded in 1909…

In keeping with Milton and Catherine Hershey’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to live fulfilling and productive lives.

Sacred Values

Milton Hershey valued loyalty, honesty, respect, and integrity. He expected both students and employees to uphold these values. Even the first school viewbook, dating back to 1912, emphasizes character.

This commitment still stands today in the form of our MHS Sacred Values. For each of the four Sacred Values, MHS expects its community to demonstrate essential behaviors, known as our “I” statements.

• Commitment to Mission
  • I set goals and work hard to achieve them.
  • I follow the School Pledge.
  • I represent our school with pride.
  • I participate whole-heartedly in campus life.
• Integrity
  • I make good decisions.
  • I do what I say I will do.
  • I tell the truth and do not gossip.
  • I accept responsibility for my actions.
• Positive Spirit
  • I demonstrate a strong work ethic by going above and beyond.
  • I encourage and work well with others.
  • I engage actively in solving problems.
  • I remain flexible and optimistic during difficult times.
• Mutual Respect
  • I seek to understand the viewpoints of others.
  • I listen and communicate with courtesy.
  • I recognize the strengths and contributions of others.
  • I live by the Golden Rule.