Great teachers are a tremendous asset to a school, and Perkins Elementary knows that better than most. Employing Harriette Curley, the first African American teacher for the district, in 1946, the school faced harsh critiques from some residents. But Perkins believes in hiring the most qualified teacher, so the school board confidently introduced Curley to the team.
Perkins Elementary School has been teaching students for over 100 years, and it continues to shine as a leading Des Moines-area school today. Everything about the school is meant to foster excitement for learning, from colorful playgrounds to little free libraries by the main entrance. Kindergarten through fifth grade students follow a robust, standardized curriculum, with options for special education and English language learners. Additional music, art and physical education classes help round out the day.
Parents and other community members can easily keep track of student progress and school-related events on Perkins Elementary School’s website. The school makes it easy to stay in touch with tools like Infinite Campus and Virtual Backpack.
Perkins Elementary School
Public Elementary School
|
Grade K-5
4301 College,
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Independent Community School District
School Details
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Math Proficiency
62%
Reading Proficiency
62%
Niche Grade
C
B-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
|
Reading Proficiency
62%
|
Math Proficiency
62%
|
Teachers
|
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
29
|
Full Time Teachers
29
|
|
Teachers in First or Second Year
0%
|
|
GreatSchools Rating
2
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
|
Math
68.3%
|
Science
65.7%
|
Teachers and Staff
|
Students Per Counselor
395:1
|
Student Diversity
|
Male
53.7%
|
Female
46.3%
|
|
White
49.8%
|
Black
18.9%
|
|
Hispanic
16.9%
|
Two or more races
10.5%
|
|
Asian or Pacific Islander
3.7%
|
Native American
<1%
|
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
5/24/2023
As a past student, this is by far the worst school I’ve ever been to. Teachers didn’t know how to handle students, and nothing was learned. One fourth grade teacher was known for weight shaming students, and in fifth grade students were assigned to come up with a dieting plan as part of a “health an...
9/22/2017
I open enrolled my kindergartner here this year. He can already READ sight words, do basic math problems, and overall has a thirst for learning because of Perkins! His teacher is amazing. She is fun yet the kids know when she means business! The overall atmosphere of the school is fantastic. I plan...
3/3/2015
I have two children currently attending Perkins Academy. When looking for a home in the Des Moines area, my wife and I were told the only "good" education would be outside of the DMPS district. I knew those people were wrong, and Perkins Academy is the proof. Both of my children thrive at Perkins. T...
1/31/2014
This school doesn't contact parents when they are put into different classes, you have to approach the teacher to get any information about your child. They don't send anything specific home about your child. The principal isn't present much, they are suppose to be a high quality school and my daugh...
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Map
Attendance Zone
Explore this Neighborhood
List Price Range
$168K - $693K
Homes For Sale
22
Average Home Value
$265,446
Median Lot Size
7,840 Sq Ft
% Renters
25%
Average Household Income
$94,694
% of College Grads
50.9%
Median Age
42
Average House Size
1,317 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
27.6%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
$710 - $1,450 per month
- Beaverdale Housing LLC
- Studio - 2 Beds
- 1.5 Baths
- 380+ Sq Ft
- 1417 Beaver Ave
- Des Moines, IA
$867 - $1,600 per month
- Forest Avenue Village
- Studio - 3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 415+ Sq Ft
- 3201 Forest Ave
- Des Moines, IA
$1,075 - $1,125 per month
- Forest Ave Townhomes
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 675 Sq Ft
- 3103-3109 Forest Ave
- Des Moines, IA
$785 - $1,325 per month
- Old Main & Drake Apartments
- Studio - 2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 387+ Sq Ft
- 1217 24th St
- Des Moines, IA
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
Parks in this Area
Witmer Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
Ashby Park
- Grills
- Picnic Area
- Tennis
Tower Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Beaverdale Park
- Bike Trails
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Riley Park
- Grills
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Inter-Urban Trail
- Bike Trails
- Trails
- Hiking
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks
A healthy mix of urban convenience and outdoor escapism
Drake
College town about 3 miles outside of Downtown Des Moines
King Irving
Community spirit is strong in this diverse urban Des Moines neighborhood
Lower Beaver
A community that never loses its neighborly vibe
Meredith
Suburban calm meets city access near Des Moines’ shops and trails
Merle Hay
Family-friendly living with shopping, dining and easy city access
Perkins Elementary School is a public school for students in grades K-5 in Des Moines, IA and is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Iowa. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 386 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 62% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 62% are proficient in reading. Perkins Elementary School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $265,446. Discover additional schools in the area, like Hoover High School, Roosevelt High School, Ruby Van Meter, and more. Learn more about what Des Moines has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Perkins Elementary School.