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 (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 438 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
438 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1905
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#936 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
5%
3%
Hispanic
22%
14%
Black
19%
7%
White
43%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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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