Not your "typical" boarding school!

The Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a truly unique learning environment.  They state that they are "devoted to helping students in Pre-K through 12th grade develop academically, behaviorally, physically, socially, and spiritually, with an emphasis on preparing students to lead fulfilling and productive lives after graduation from MHS."  The school is structured in three levels: Elementary Division, Middle Division, and Senior Division.  Programming is designed around the developmental needs of students in each division and provides a nurturing environment for students as they transition through each grade level.  Additionally, three centralized program areas integrate the work of the divisions and ensure consistency of support throughout students' MHS experience:  Applied & Integrated Learning (curriculum development, visual & performing arts, etc), Student Health Services (medical, dental, psychological, behavioral, and social work services), and Student Character & Leadership (community service, recreational activities, religious programs, etc.).  Working in conjunction with the academic curriculum, these three areas help ensure that students have a combination of learning and life experiences, along with a focus on developing social, emotional, spiritual, and physical health throughout their years at MHS.

One of the things I find most unique about this school is the living environment.  Students are not stuck in your typical "dorm"-like living quarters.  Children live in family-like homes.  Each home consists of 10-14 students from the same division (e.g. Elementary).  These homes are each overseen by a married couple who are the houseparents for the home.  They take an active interest in each MHS students' development and well-being.  They support students in the daily lives and serve as the primary contact for the children in their care, but they also work in partnership with the natural parent/guardian.  Just like any parent, they teach the children responsible life values and provide structure and guidance.  Students are required to do their chores and study just like any child living at home.  Students live and learn with each other and become each other's second family.  The houses are well-equipped with normal living quarters plus a recreation room and computer lab.  The houseparents have their own private area that is separated from the students but still in the same home.  Because of limited space, houseparents cannot have more than 2 dependent children of their own living with them.  There is also a transitional living program from senior year students where they learn to live on their own in apartment style settings (with supervising adults living on-site in their own apartments).  Students are taught to cook, shop, and budget on their own.  Each of them is provided a debit card with a set dollar amount for each week with which they must buy groceries and household necessities.

The school offers more than just your typical school functions.  They have:

12 varsity athletic teams

6 choral groups and 20 different musical instrument choices

Animal clubs and 4H

Theater productions

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and service organizations

Internships and part-time jobs at local businesses (for high school students)

Ice skating, swimming, biking, ice hockey, dance, and more

The school's policy is for each student to be "plainly, neatly, and comfortably clothed, without distinctive dress." Students are issued uniforms for school and are free to wear their own clothes during leisure time.  If a parent or sponsor cannot afford to provide leisure wear for a student, it is the policy of the School to provide all such clothing at no expense to either the student or his/her family.

Of course, a setting like this requires some pretty strict safety measures.  The secure neighborhood community is closely monitored by the Safety & Security Department that patrols the campus and student homes 24 hours daily, seven days a week. In addition, all MHS students and staff wear photo identification badges, and all student homes are equipped with electronic security systems.

What does it take to get in?  To be considered for enrollment, the child must:

• Come from a family of low income, limited resources, and social need.
• Be from the ages of 4-15 years old.
• 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 take part in the School's program. Be born in the United States.

Some statistics on current enrollment (Sep 2009):

Total number of students: 1,818
Male students: 873
Female students: 945

Number of students by Division
Elementary Division: 307
Middle Division: 644
Senior Division: 867

Ethnic composition of student body
Caucasian: 44 percent
African-American: 27 percent
Hispanic: 15 percent
Asian: 1 percent
Other: 13 percent

Geographic residence of student body (sponsor's residence)
Tri-county area (Lebanon, Dauphin and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania): 31 percent
Other counties in Pennsylvania: 49 percent
Other states (34 other states including DC): 20 percent

While this post might be pretty long, it is only a brief overview of the Milton Hershey School.  Check out the school's website for more info.    http://www.mhs-pa.org/