Catherine Hershey School opens Harrisburg location

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Reimagining childhood education – that’s the mission behind the brand-new Catherine Hershey School for Early Learning in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg city leaders, educators and community members were invited Tuesday afternoon to the ribbon cutting located on North 6th Street.

“We are just so excited for this brand-new center, which will be for children from six weeks all the way up to five years old,” said Senate Alexander, the schools Executive Director.

150 kids from under resourced and overburdened backgrounds are already enrolled in this ‘reimagined’ education center – which includes an innovation lab, gross motor rooms and over 17 thousand square feet of play space.

“Just seeing the excitement on the teachers faces being back with children is just really golden and exciting,” added Malissa Lorenzo, the Center Director of CHS. “We’ve worked really closely with the city of Harrisburg to build a relationship with them, and they have welcomed us with open arms, really grateful for the opportunities to come in.”

City leaders including Mayor Wanda Williams and Dauphin County Commissioners were in attendance.

“We have an opportunity to shape futures, regardless of where you come from, how much money you have, what color of your skin. No matter who your parents are, you deserve a shot at what God intends,” City commissioner George Hartwick said. “And today, because of this investment, there are going to be children that have that incredible opportunity. Thank you, Milton and Catherine Hershey.”

Officials say they will be building the next Catherine Hershey School for Early Learning in Middletown, Dauphin County and there are also plans to bring three of these schools to Lancaster County.

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