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
16:1
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
16:1
Teachers
28
Full Time Teachers
28
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%
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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
About Beaverdale
List Price Range
$145K - $561K
Homes For Sale
18
Average Home Value
$261,501
Median Lot Size
7,840 Sq Ft
% Renters
25%
Household Income
$94,694
% of College Grads
50.9%
Median Age
42
Average House Size
1,317 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
27.1%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
-
-
$850 - $1,425 per month
- Lofts on 34th
- Studio-2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 346+ Sq Ft
- 1219 34th 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
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Drake
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Lower Beaver
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Merle Hay
Merle Hay Mall is in this neighborhood only a few miles from Downtown Des Moines
Waveland Park
Community runs deep and residents stay a while in a nature-filled neighborhood