Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning continues their investment in the Lancaster community

Continuing their expansion into Lancaster County, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) is excited to welcome their first group of children at CHS Elizabethtown beginning in summer 2027. A reinvention of the former Rheems Elementary School, the newly finished facility is the second of three planned Centers to open in Lancaster County by the end of 2027. The new location will provide the core early learning program that CHS is known for—with all costs covered for families.

Visitors to CHS Elizabethtown will be greeted with an iconic Milton Hershey tree lining the lobby ceiling and paired with a quote that hangs at each of their Centers: “There is not a person alive who should not plant a tree, not for the shade that you’ll enjoy, but for those who are coming after.”

Additional art and education pieces unique to the Etown location anchor the lobby and lead to the Center’s Family Success Area that is centered between the Preschool Corridor and the Infant-Toddler Corridor—both of which feature intentionally designed classrooms, nature-rich playgrounds, STEM gardens, and observation rooms.

The expansion to Elizabethtown has been years in the making, especially for CHS Elizabethtown Center Director Luanne Dohner. Luanne has been part of the CHS team for four years, as they have patiently waited for the right property to become available in the area. She brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood education to lead her onsite team of passionate staff and teachers.

“I am excited to bring CHS to Elizabethtown because it reflects a collaborative investment in children, families, and communities across the region,” Luanne said. “Today, our three Dauphin County Centers are successfully serving 450 children and their families, and that impact will continue to grow as CHS New Danville opens this summer as our first Lancaster County location, increasing enrollment to 550 children.”

“When CHS Elizabethtown opens in summer 2027, we’ll be able to support even more families through high-quality early childhood education, strong community partnerships, and resources that help every child and family feel valued, empowered, and prepared for lifelong success,” she added.

When fully enrolled, CHS Elizabethtown will serve 150 kids and their families.

All CHS Centers provide non-residential, year-round weekday care and education to children from six weeks to five years old, including integrated family services and play-based curriculum designed to enhance children’s educational, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

The Elizabethtown location will prioritize admission for families with under-resourced and overburdened backgrounds living in the Donegal, Manheim Central, and Elizabethtown Area School Districts.

For information on admissions or career opportunities, visit chslearn.org where you can also sign up for email updates.

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