Milton Hershey School® offers an exceptional educational experience to students from lower-income families who are looking for greater opportunities. This cost-free, private school where pre-K through 12th grade students live on campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is funded by a trust established by chocolatier and entrepreneur, Milton S.Hershey, and his wife, Catherine. The school provides a positive, structured home life year-round and an top-tier education, focusing on the whole child. Its vision centers on high-quality academics, college and career readiness, and providing students with the skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of life.
Milton Hershey School employs over 200 houseparent couples to work together and live with a small group of students over several years. A houseparent’s role is to be there as each child grows up and be someone they can trust. They teach skills and values outside of the classroom to help them succeed.
Houseparent couples shape the lives of children in their care by helping students build strong character and social and emotional habits for both personal and academic success. Learn more at mhskids.org/houseparents. Read the houseparent description and criteria.
Working at Milton Hershey School is much more than a job. Each employee helps shape the lives of the students the school serves. Every position is designed to help students thrive on campus and beyond. If that sounds fulfilling to you, MHS may be the perfect place for your next career move. Learn more at mhskids.org/careers.
Not many careers allow you to bring your family to work—but at Milton Hershey School, it’s encouraged. Houseparents can have up to two dependent children living with them in their apartment attached to a student home. Houseparent kids can attend one of two high-quality local public schools or discover private and homeschooling options.
Houseparent children are invited to take part in day-to-day activities with your students by enjoying meals, playing games together, and supporting each other in after-school activities, whether at the school or in the local community.
Houseparenting is both a career and a lifestyle for those looking to make a difference. The job responsibilities for houseparents are rigorous, but it’s a career worth every minute. If you are dedicated to influencing the future through today’s youth, we encourage you to explore the houseparenting role.
The application process for houseparent positions is comprehensive and lengthy. It provides the opportunity for both the school and its applicants to get to know one another. This eight-step process allows candidates and the school to explore if this career is the right fit for you and your family.
Before School
Houseparents help students prepare for the school day. They provide a nutritious breakfast, make sure students are dressed and ready for their school day, lead a daily devotion, and ensure students get to school on time.
During the School Day
During school hours, houseparents have unscheduled time to take care of their personal needs. They can enjoy the amenities on campus by taking advantage of walking paths and a fitness center. There also are many things to do in the town of Hershey. Explore the area and see what living and working in Hershey would be like.
Evenings
Houseparents are in high gear, ensuring students have a nutritious meal, do chores and homework, get to and from extracurricular activities, and get sufficient sleep.
Weekends
Weekend schedules are less structured. Houseparents can enjoy recreational activities with the students and personal children. There are many options, such as local cultural events in Hershey or surrounding areas. Sunday Chapel Service is a requirement for all students and on-duty houseparents.
To learn more about Milton Hershey School and the houseparent career, we invite you to browse our blog posts and watch our full library of videos on Youtube.
