Mission and Values

Our Mission

HMS School educates, nurtures, and cares for children and young adults with complex physical disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairments, with the goal of enabling each to reach their maximum potential. We promote independence and improve the quality of life for youth in a safe and secure environment so each can lead a fulfilling, stimulating life now and as an adult.

Teacher guides student in a power wheelchair through an HMS School classroom in Philadelphia

HMS Values

The values of HMS School ground our work and reflect what we believe is most important in how we care for students, partner with families, engage with our community, and support each other. They shape our relationships, our priorities, and how we move forward together.

Reexamining values over time is an important part of healthy organizational growth. After listening to feedback and taking a closer look at how our values show up in daily work, HMS refreshed its values to ensure they remain relevant, authentic, and lived in daily practice—not just aspirational but actively shaping how we work and learn together. Our five values are:

  • Integrity: Aligning our words and actions with honesty, fairness, and consistency. We take responsibility for our choices and keep our commitments. We act in pursuit of equity.

  • Respect: Recognizing the worth of others and treating them with fairness, care, and consideration. We listen with openness and value different perspectives.

  • Teamwork: Collaborating toward shared goals and supporting one another through challenges and successes. We build trust by showing up for each other.

  • Belonging: Fostering an environment where people feel safe, included, and valued. We celebrate our diverse experiences and ensure each person feels connected to the whole.

  • Communication: Being consistently open and timely in how we share information and listen. We strive for clarity, understanding, honesty, and respect in every interaction.

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is nonsectarian and serves students from any locality without regard to race, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, age (except within school age) and disability (except as limited by School Districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education).

“HMS has a staff of passionate people who are committed to making the lives of children with cerebral palsy the best that they can be. We are fortunate that our home school district understands the benefits of sending our son to HMS. I don’t know a school that can hold a candle to the services provided by HMS.”

HMS Parent