Perkins Elementary School

4301 College
Des Moines, IA 50311
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 438 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Perkins Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 438 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 57%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 64% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Btm 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : Perkins Elementary School serves the northwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1.5 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone are about a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge located 1.6 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Perkins Elementary School's student population of 438 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
438 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar

School Rankings

Perkins Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Perkins Elementary School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IA)
#936 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

64%
68%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

60-64%
70%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
5%
3%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
22%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓

Black
19%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
43%
70%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
10%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
57%
0.73

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
31.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perkins Elementary School's ranking?
Perkins Elementary School is ranked #936 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Perkins Elementary School often compared to?
Perkins Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hubbell Elementary School, Hillis Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Perkins Elementary School?
438 students attend Perkins Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Perkins Elementary School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Perkins Elementary School?
Perkins Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Perkins Elementary School offer ?
Perkins Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Perkins Elementary School part of?
Perkins Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 438 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 57%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 64% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Btm 50%)
  • : 55-59% (Btm 50%)
  • : Perkins Elementary School serves the northwest part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1.5 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone are about a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge located 1.6 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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