#United States #Middletown #Early Learning #Milton Hershey School #Catherine Hershey Schools

Grand Opening of Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning in Middletown

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) celebrated an important milestone with the grand opening of its new Early Childhood Education Center in Middletown, Pennsylvania, on August 6, 2025. This facility is the third of its kind aimed at providing quality early childhood education to children from under-resourced backgrounds. The initiative, part of a larger $350 million project, seeks to establish six Early Childhood Education Centers throughout Pennsylvania, with all costs covered for qualifying families.

A Vision Come to Life

The opening event was a gathering of regional leaders, community partners, teachers, staff, and the very first families enrolled in the program. Notable figures who spoke at the ceremony included Maria Kraus, Chair of the MHS Board of Managers, and Pete Gurt, President of both MHS and CHS. During his speech, Gurt highlighted the enduring legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey, emphasizing how their generosity has evolved to transform lives even today.

The facility spans an impressive 48,692 square feet and includes 12 state-of-the-art classrooms, a dedicated Innovation Studio, expansive outdoor play areas, a STEM Garden designed to engage children's curiosity in science and technology, and a Family Success Center that serves as a resource hub for families.

Providing Essential Services

CHS Middletown has the capacity to serve 150 children primarily from the nearby areas of Middletown, Steelton, and Highspire. Operating year-round, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the center offers a play-based curriculum developed to foster children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

In addition to early education, the center will provide a variety of crucial health services on-site, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as behavioral support. Families will also enjoy access to meals and transportation services, when necessary. Family Success Advocates are on hand to assist enrolled families with personal goal setting and to connect them with necessary local resources.

Commitment to Excellence

The center's staff comprises nearly 80 educators who completed a rigorous, year-long paid professional development program in preparation for this significant opening. Senate Alexander, Executive Director of CHS, stated that the opening in Dauphin County brings total enrollment across their centers to 450 children, most of whom previously lacked access to high-quality early childhood education. The new facility builds upon the initial successes realized at CHS's first locations in Hershey and Harrisburg, expanding their reach and impact.

Future Expansion Plans

Initially launched in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 2023, CHS has since opened its second location in Harrisburg, with plans for future centers in Lancaster County. Additional facilities are projected to open in New Danville by summer 2026, followed by Elizabethtown in summer 2027, and Lancaster City in fall 2027.

The demand for quality educational facilities like CHS Middletown is evident. Upon its opening, the center was fully subscribed. Interested families can register for updates about future admission opportunities through the CHS website.

About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is dedicated to providing educational care to children aged between six weeks and five years old from under-resourced backgrounds. As a subsidiary of Milton Hershey School, CHS is committed to ensuring that all educational costs are fully covered for eligible families.

For more information about CHS, visit chslearn.org.

About Milton Hershey School: Known as one of the best private schools globally, Milton Hershey School provides children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a high-quality education, including living on campus with no associated costs for qualifying students. For more information, visit mhskids.org.