What is Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS)?
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is a new early childhood education program in Pennsylvania. Students from lower-income and at-risk backgrounds are eligible to enroll.
CHS schools will open beginning in 2023. They will provide cost-free care to children from birth to age 5, supporting:
- Hands-on classroom learning
- Social and emotional development
- Cognitive growth
CHS schools are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School (MHS) and will be staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.
What will the CHS program look like?
CHS will provide a core early learning program. Its curriculum will enhance students’ educational, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. It also will provide students with nutritious meals and other needed supplies. Importantly, CHS will offer integrated support services to its families.
CHS will provide a year-round experience. Anticipated hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Where will the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning be located?
All CHS schools will be located in Pennsylvania.
- First location: Hershey (on the MHS campus)
- Second location: Harrisburg (Midtown – at the intersection of 6th and Muench streets)
- Additional locations: To be determined, based on further research and community input
When will the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning open?
Our schools are expected to begin to open 2023.
- First location (Hershey): 2023
- Second location (Harrisburg): 2024
Who will be eligible for enrollment?
Admissions policies and criteria for CHS will be similar to MHS. Income eligibility and adequacy of care criteria are the same. CHS Hershey will serve 150 students.
More information about the CHS admissions process will be available in 2022.
No. CHS students will not be automatically admitted to MHS upon turning 5. They are invited to apply for admission to MHS.
What employment opportunities will be available?
CHS offers a variety of fulfilling and mission-driven employment opportunities. The CHS Central Office, the initiative’s administrative office, will eventually include up to 20 positions. Each school is expected to have up to 80 employees. Please visit the CHS Careers page for updated job postings and opportunities.
