At Over 200 Years Old, This is New Hampshire’s Oldest School

When your state is one of the original 13 colonies, you're bound to find lots of old buildings including schools.

According to Mainebiz, New Hampshire's oldest school was established back in 1814. Pinkerton Academy in Derry is also the largest independent high school in the entire country.

Pinkerton Academy is the oldest and largest high school in New Hampshire.

The school was established by Londonderry, New Hampshire town leaders and brothers John and James Pinkerton, hence the name. This is according to the school's website. When it first opened over 200 years ago it was also a boarding school with students from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. They had under 100 students. Today there are over 3,000 students from over 20 towns making it the largest independent school in the country.

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What is the mascot for Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire?

When you are the oldest and largest independent school in the country, you've got some amazing history. They had poet Robert Frost as a teacher and alumni Alan B. Shepard, the first American to travel to space. Because of that, the mascot for Pinkerton Academy is Astro Man, a tribute to Shepard. You would root for the Astros when you go to a game.

They also have this adorable dog 'Astro' who was named in honor of retired Pinkerton Academy AFJROTC department head Lt Col Steadman. Astro came to the school in November 2024 and is training to become a service dog for a veteran!

The history of Pinkerton Academy is so amazing. Here's to another 200 years to this amazing school.