Milton Hershey School® (MHS) seeks to enroll students who have the greatest financial and social need. Often it is a professional working with a family who introduces them to MHS.

This information will help you determine if a student may be an appropriate candidate for MHS.

MHS Admissions Criteria

To be considered for enrollment, the child must:

• Come from a family with low income, limited resources, and social need.
• Be from the ages of 4 through 15 at the time of enrollment.
• Have the ability to learn.
• Be free of serious emotional and behavioral problems that disrupt life in the classroom or the home.
• Be able to participate in the School's program.
• Be born in the United States.

How does MHS define "the ability to learn"?

• Children must attain a score of 80 or higher on an I.Q. test.
• Evaluation Reports (ER/CER) and Individual Education Plans (IEP) are reviewed to determine if MHS can accommodate academic needs.

How does MHS define "social need"?

Social need is assessed based on parental availability, threats to safety, and environmental conditions.

• Children residing in foster care or being raised by an alternative caretaker are given preference over children residing with their parent(s).
• Preference is given to children of parent(s)/sponsor(s) whose situation limits their ability to care for their children. Examples include incarceration, mental or physical disablity, or addiction.
• Safety and environmental issues include: homelessness, the inability to meet basic needs, and abusive or dangerous situations.

NOTE: Documentation for involved professionals and agencies regarding social need is helpful in assessing the application.

How does MHS define "financial need"?

The methods used to calculate income and household size correlate with U.S. Census definitions.

• When calculating income and household size, MHS considers all related persons residing in the household (e.g. grandparents, aunts, uncles, steparents).
• Total household income cannot exceed 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• We also review all resources available to the child, including - but not limited to - income, housing, transportation, and parental education and earning potential.
• Non-cash benefits are not considered.
• Applicants must provide proof of income sources, including pay stubs, tax returns, and benefit statements.