Pinkerton Academy

I feel that PA has effectively prepared me for college-level work and I feel confident in applying to colleges this fall having gone to PA, because I know it is recognized for that. This, however, might be coming at somewhat of a cost to some students. More than once, I felt completely overwhelmed by the expectations placed on me, not by the teachers, but by the school in general. PA likes to place its students into strict black and white margins, and when they come across a student who just doesn't fit into those boxes, they struggle with how to handle it. Also, because of PA's size, it can sometimes be easy to "fall through the cracks." Most of the teachers I have come across have been great, but I think that is somewhat due to luck of the draw. Generally - great English dept, but the math dept lacks.
--Submitted by a student

I m a current junior at Pinkerton and I LOVE IT. Coming from an 8th grade class of 75, I had no problem adjusting to my freshman class of 900.Yes, the school expects a lot from the students, but that should be expected at any good high school. It s up to the student to decide what kind of education he/she wants to receive. Any student who doesn't do homework or get to class on time WILL begin to fail and get detentions. It's school--you're expected to show up and do the work. PA has a highly effective class leveling system that helps students excel at their own pace. There are many career-focused courses available at PA that create nearly endless opportunities to prepare students for future careers. Additionally, EVERYBODY can find something to do outside of the classroom because there are so many sports and clubs (plus a few study abroad opportunities).
--Submitted by a student

They do so much for the kids,the kids have so much to choose from,like agriculture,to the arts and so much more,they also hand out alot of scholerships.

the teachers are great, and the school focuses on a strong english department. My kids did well when they gradguated and were sent to some of the top colleges, and had an easier time than others who went to other schools int he area
--Submitted by a parent

I am a proud Pinkerton Academy graduate that has since graduated from a top 100 college. I will say that Pinkerton was a great school that helped the transition to the college course work very well. Pinkerton will offer a great amount of training for college. In fact, during my Freshmen year, my professors would ask me where I went to high school because my writing, math and presentation (or speaking) skills were so much more advanced than the other Freshmen. I would like to give credit to Pinkerton for that. Yes, the dreaded, 30+ page Senior Essay that every student is supposed to write isn t fun; but it is very worth it.

Two of my children attended Pinkerton coming from Hampstead which was a small middle school at the time. My daughter's first observation was that 'there was a place for everyone to fit in there'. My son and daughter loved PA. As a parent, I appreciated the strict rules about attendance and tardiness. There are so many sports and activities available. My son was an athlete and in chorus; my daughter was involved in student council, etc. Both students went to college and did very well. They both have only the finest things to say about PA and when my son finished his education in teaching, the ONLY place he wanted to teach was at PA. That is where he is today and loves it as much as he did when he was a student there. Send your students there; you will not be disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys who atten Pinkerton and it is the main reason that we moved to Hampstead when they were young (along with Hampstead's excellent Central and Middle schools) We have been 100% happy all the way through and the school is fantastic if your kids are involved in sports. If you have a child that needs help at all, it is available but they have to want to do it. PA will not carry kids or parents along who are not willing to work for it. I think that this reflects the real world which is where these kids will be in a couple of years. The kids are not treated as numbers as some have suggested, you treat yourself and your children as numbers when you don't get them involved in any of the endless opportunities that exist. The campus is beautiful as well!
--Submitted by a parent

Taking advantage of all of Pinkerton has to offer is essential. Once you leave and go to college and talk to other students, you realize you had an amazing experience in high school. Everyone complaining on this board about tardiness is absurd, tell your children to get to school on time and be responsbile. Go Astros! I recived a great education, made a lot of friends, loved the campus and got into a great college! Not Pinkerton's fault your kids fell through the cracks, its your parenting!
--Submitted by a student

Packed classrooms, over worked Guidance Dept ....this is a Public School.
--Submitted by a parent

The food is ok but they feed us like we have the stomachs of 5 year olds and they over charge. The classes themselves are good. I take mostly art classes so it's fun for me. The teachers are good but a lot of them dont know how to connect with the students anymore. We're way different from kids 10 years ago. The school itself can be pretty out there sometimes. Like when they delay school for an hour and 30 minutes, when the roads are all ice, when every other school in NH is closed. It's not that we have school on those days that upsets me, what makes me angry is on days like that when there's snow and ice everywhere, PA forgets that half the kids are un experienced drivers. PA needs to take of their students and stop trying to make money.
--Submitted by a student