Atkinson Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atkinson Academy |
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The 1802 building
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| Coordinates | 42°50′23″N 71°8′49″W / 42.83972°N 71.14694°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1787 |
| Founder | William Cogswell, Stephen Peabody, Nathaniel Peabody |
| School district | Timberlane Regional School District |
| Principal | Stephen Harrises |
| Faculty | 34.7 (on FTE basis) |
| Grades | K to 5 |
| Enrollment | 480 (2007–08) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 13.8:1 |
| Colour(s) | Blue, Yellow |
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Atkinson Academy School
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1803 |
| Architect | Ebenezer Clifford |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000297 |
| Added to NRHP | August 26, 1980 |
Atkinson Academy is a public elementary school located at 17 Academy Avenue in Atkinson, New Hampshire. It is part of the Timberlane Regional School District. The school building was finished in 1803. Many people believe it is the oldest school in the United States that has always taught both boys and girls together. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list recognizes important historical places in the country.
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About the Academy Building
Atkinson Academy is in the main part of Atkinson town. You can find it on the north side of Academy Avenue. The original building is quite large. It has two stories and is made of wood. It has a special roof shape called a hip roof. The outside walls are covered with clapboards, which are long, thin boards.
A tall tower stands in the middle of the roof. This tower has an open, eight-sided bell tower at the top. Above that is a small dome, called a cupola. The front of the building has seven sections, called bays. The middle three sections stand out. They are framed by flat, decorative columns called pilasters. These support a triangular shape above, known as a pedimented gable.
The main entrance has a window on one side. Both sides of the entrance have pilasters. These pilasters go up to a decorative band called an entablature. Above this is another pedimented gable. Newer parts of the school building stretch out behind the original structure. This makes the whole building look a bit like the letter "W".
History of Atkinson Academy
Founding and Early Years
Atkinson Academy was started in 1787. It was first a school only for boys. The founders were Reverend Stephen Peabody, General Nathaniel Peabody, and Dr. William Cogswell. Just a few years later, in 1791, the school began to accept girls too. This made it one of the first schools in the U.S. to teach both boys and girls.
The very first school building was built in 1789. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire on November 15, 1802. The current building, which you see today, was finished in 1803. It was designed by Ebenezer Clifford. He was a well-known builder in southern New Hampshire during that time. His work on Atkinson Academy is one of the few buildings he designed that are still standing.
Naming a Grant Land
A special area in northern New Hampshire is named partly after the academy. This area is called Atkinson and Gilmanton Academy Grant, New Hampshire. It was originally given to the academy. This helped support the school financially.
Academy's Importance and Recognition
By 1874, Atkinson Academy was led by B.H. Weston, A.M. It was known as one of the oldest and most respected schools in New Hampshire. The 1803 school building is important for its design. Because of its unique architecture, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This listing helps protect and recognize important historical buildings.
Famous People Who Attended
Many notable people have studied at Atkinson Academy. Here are a few:
- Jonathan Cilley: He became a congressman for the state of Maine. A congressman is a person elected to represent their area in the U.S. government.
- William Cogswell: He was also a congressman, but from Massachusetts. He also served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. A colonel is a high-ranking officer in the army.
- Grace Fletcher Webster: She was the wife of Daniel Webster, a very famous American statesman and orator.
See also
