Scholastic Procedures
Grading System
Milton Hershey School's educational program is a standards-based curriculum. This means that students must master the expectations for what a student should know and be able to do for a particular subject and/or grade level before they may be permitted to advance to a new area of learning or grade level in school.
Students receive a grade in achievement, effort, and conduct. These marks are recorded on report cards along with teacher comments. Copies of the report card are forwarded to the student, the houseparents, and the parent or sponsor at the end of each marking period. Additionally, progress reports are sent out as necessary. The School has an Honor Roll system for grades three through twelve.
A new grading system for high school students is being developed to reflect the School's standards-based curriculum.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for a Milton Hershey School diploma, a student must earn the following minimum number of credits during the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades.
Program of study:
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
| Social Studies | 3.0 |
| Science | 3.0 |
| World Language | 1.0 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 0.5 |
| Wellness and Life Skills | 3.5 |
| Career Pathways/Vocational | 2.0 |
| Electives | 8.0 |
| TOTAL | 28.0 |
Tutorial Assistance and Remediation
Students who find that they need extra help in subject areas should discuss their needs with their instructors or houseparents. Special tutoring sessions are held for students at the student's request or at the request of an instructor.
In the elementary and middle school programs, it is probable that students might not recognize the need for assistance. Teachers and houseparents will most often initiate additional help for students. Parents/sponsors should direct questions to the student's houseparents, teachers, or the administrator in charge of the program.
Students in the high school program are expected to assume more responsibility for contacting teachers for remedial help. However, teachers, houseparents, and parents/sponsors should take an active role in realizing a student's needs and in taking the initiative to assist whenever necessary.
Should the student require more intensive support, houseparents, teachers or parents/sponsors should refer the student to the Intervention Team.
