History
A Proud Tradition of Excellence
HMS School has a rich history of over 140 years of nurturing and educating children.
The first institution of its kind in the nation. HMS School opened in 1882 near its current site in West Philadelphia first named Home of the Merciful Saviour for Crippled Children was founded by Helen Innes, who with her husband, an Episcopal minister provided care for a young boy with diverse abilities.
When a suitable home couldn’t be found, Mrs. Innes dedicated herself to ensuring he received the support and care he needed. She accepted all the children she could, without a fee, confident that support would be found. Annual reports from these early years tell a fascinating story of HMS’s growth and success.
Home of the Merciful Saviour for Crippled Children was founded by Helen Innes
The HMS initially served 18 young children who were discharged from hospitals as hopeless cases and who could not afford any fees. The Home’s original charter pledged “the care, support and maintenance of children crippled by disease, accident or in other way,” was nonsectarian and admitted children from any city or state.
Mrs. Innes galvanized support from her many friends. Within a few years, HMS moved to its present location to Baltimore Avenue, on the land donated to our school by Clarence Clark and others. HMS then added classrooms and a school program teaching life and trade skills. The children also received the best medical and surgical treatment available during these times.
Through the decades, HMS remained committed to excellence and flexibility in responding to children’s needs. When polio epidemics were at their height in the 1940s, HMS provided state-of-the-art treatment. As the Salk vaccine slowly eliminated the polio crisis in the 1950s, HMS began to focus on children with cerebral palsy. In the 1960s, HMS was designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an Approved Private School, and its reputation grew. The board committed to major new construction and renovations.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
For decades, HMS has remained dedicated to excellence and adaptability, evolving to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. During the 1940s polio epidemics, HMS led the way in providing state-of-the-art treatment. As the Salk vaccine helped end the polio crisis in the 1950s, HMS shifted its focus to children with cerebral palsy, cementing its role as a pioneer in specialized care and education.
By the 1960s, the Pennsylvania Department of Education designated HMS as an Approved Private School, recognizing its leadership in the field. This milestone propelled significant growth, including major facility expansions to enhance services for students.
Innovating Through Technology and Communication
The 1970s brought national attention to HMS for its groundbreaking communication programs, which explored alternative and augmentative approaches to traditional speech therapy. By the 1980s, HMS integrated cutting-edge technology like early computers and power wheelchairs into its programs. Under the leadership of Diane Gallagher, HMS adopted its current name, “HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy,” and strengthened its interdisciplinary team approach to provide holistic support for every student.
Modernizing for the Future
In 2006, HMS’s Board of Trustees launched a transformative Capital Campaign to enhance the school’s facilities. This effort resulted in the 2008 opening of Harris Hall, a new state-of-the-art student residence, followed by the 2009 renovation of the Gowen Education Wing. Today, HMS operates in a modern, fully equipped campus that supports its innovative programs and services, continuing its tradition of empowering children with cerebral palsy to achieve their fullest potential.
COVID Response - Prioritizing Safety, Innovation, and Learning
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools nationwide to close, disrupting education and therapeutic services for students with complex needs. At HMS School, we acted swiftly to implement a comprehensive response plan that prioritized student safety while ensuring continued access to high-quality education and therapies.
During the closure, HMS transitioned to a fully virtual model, leveraging technology to provide remote learning, speech and occupational therapy, and even adapted recreation and music therapy. Our staff worked tirelessly to create engaging online programs tailored to each student’s needs, ensuring continued academic progress and emotional support.
As conditions allowed, we developed a phased reopening plan informed by medical guidance and rigorous safety protocols. Our Spring 2021 Hybrid Education Plan introduced in-person learning two days per week, supported by daily on-site COVID-19 testing, enhanced air filtration systems, social distancing measures, and PPE requirements for all staff. The hybrid model allowed students to receive hands-on therapies while still benefiting from virtual instruction on remote days.
HMS’s investment in technology played a key role in our response. Virtual learning platforms enabled real-time interaction between students and teachers, ensuring continuity of instruction. Remote communication tools strengthened collaboration between families, therapists, and medical staff, while assistive technologies empowered students to participate fully in their education.
By Summer 2021, HMS successfully transitioned to full-time in-person instruction, armed with a stronger, tech-enhanced approach to individualized learning. Our response to the pandemic underscored our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and innovative educational environment for students with cerebral palsy—no matter the challenge.
