A leading private school that offers education to students from lower-income families, Milton Hershey School has earned praise for its emphasis on top-notch academics. According to the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), the faculty at Milton Hershey School strive to provide the best possible academic experiences for the students they serve. PAIS provides accreditation to validate the quality of independent schools.

1. Independent Schools Must Meet
Accreditation Standards
By Milton Hershey School

2. Introduction
• A leading private school that offers education to students
from lower-income families, Milton Hershey School has
earned praise for its emphasis on top-notch academics.
According to the Pennsylvania Association of
Independent Schools (PAIS), the faculty at Milton
Hershey School strive to provide the best possible
academic experiences for the students they serve. PAIS
provides accreditation to validate the quality of
independent schools.
Under the PAIS accreditation program, schools undergo
evaluation in several areas including organization and
administration, personnel, program, and health and
safety.

3. Accreditation Standards
• Each accredited school must have a clearly defined
mission and philosophy, along with policies that
promote diversity and sustainability. In addition,
accredited schools must have a strong leadership
structure that oversees implementation of its mission
and academic programming.
To achieve accreditation, schools must attain established
standards in other key areas, such as communications,
admission procedures, facilities, and financial
management. The PAIS Commission on Accreditation
examines each school's compliance with each key
evaluation area when making accreditation decisions.