In 2020, Milton Hershey School announced a new initiative focused on early learning.
The initiative began with a $350 million investment to build early childhood education centers across Pennsylvania. The non-residential centers were named Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), in honor of Catherine Hershey.
As a subsidiary of Milton Hershey School, CHS extends the school’s mission to younger children, from six weeks to five years old, expanding access to early childhood education for families with limited resources.
The first Catherine Hershey School for Early Learning opened in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in September 2023. It was followed by locations in Harrisburg and Middletown. Additional locations are planned for New Danville, Lancaster City, and Elizabethtown.
Honoring Catherine Hershey’s Legacy
Catherine Hershey believed deeply in nurturing environments for children. That belief lives on in the thoughtful approach behind the early learning centers.
Spaces are designed for exploration and play in a home-like environment. Classrooms, named after flowers and insects found in her gardens, include small details that invite curiosity with hands-on activities that nurture, educate, and empower.
Outdoor spaces reflect Catherine’s love of gardening and nature. Visitors are greeted by peach-colored roses named after Catherine Hershey. The STEM Garden features an activity titled “Kitty’s Hide and Seek” with historical photos of Catherine that feature a variety of animals.
CHS honors its namesake by modeling “KITTY” values that embody Catherine’s spirit: Kind, Impactful, Trustworthy, Teachable, Your Best Self.
CHS Today
Today, CHS provides weekday care and education for children from six weeks to age 5 from qualifying families, with all costs covered.
CHS focuses on the whole child, providing meals, health and developmental screenings, and additional support as needed. It also supports families through a Family Success model, connecting them with resources such as employment, education, and everyday needs.
CHS Timeline
1909
Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust, founding Hershey Industrial School, now Milton Hershey School. It began as a dream to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds get ahead in life through an exceptional educational experience.
1918
Milton Hershey placed his stock holdings of 500,000 shares of the Hershey Chocolate Company, valued at $60 million, in a trust to benefit the school.
2020
Milton Hershey School announced a $350 million initiative to develop six state-of-the-art Early Childhood Education Centers in Pennsylvania named Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS).
2022
CHS announced plans to open three Early Childhood Education Centers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
2023
Two years after breaking ground, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning opened its first state-of-the-art Early Childhood Education Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The location serves 150 children.
2024
CHS Harrisburg opened, expanding its ability to deliver high-quality early childhood education, and honoring the Hersheys’ legacy by serving even more Pennsylvania children and families. The location serves 150 children.
2025
CHS celebrated the opening of its third Early Childhood Education Center in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The location serves 150 children.
2026
CHS celebrated the opening of its first Center in Lancaster County, CHS New Danville, which serves 100 children.
2027
CHS Elizabethtown will open in the summer of 2027. Lancaster City will open in fall of 2027.
