Pinkerton Academy is located in Derry, in Rockingham County, New Hampshire where it was incorporated in 1814 by Major John Pinkerton and Elder James Pinkerton.The academy owns over 170 acres of land and the main campus, approximately 8 acres, contains seventeen buildings. It is the largest independent academy in the United States serving 3,400 students as the high school (grades 9 - 12) for the communities of Derry, Hampstead and Chester. The Academy is a private non-profit corporation administered by a Headmaster, under the direction of an elected twelve member Board of Trustees.

Since the original four-room Old Academy Building opened in 1815, nine major buildings have been constructed including the new Arts and Humanities Center dedicated in September, 2002. In addition to these major buildings, eight smaller buildings that serve specific needs are scattered around the scenic campus. World famous poet Robert Frost, landed a position teaching English at the academy in 1909.

The Pinkerton Academy family believes that for students to lead a successful role in society, they must acquire the essential skills, values, behaviors, and knowledge. They also need to develop skills, talents, and abilities to pursue their future endeavors and to improve themselves and others. The Pinkerton Academy faculty understands that students learn best through a variety of styles and multiple intelligences.