Perkins Elementary School

As you can see a lot of the reviews for this school are older and were written before the new principal arrived in 2009. While everyone loved the old principal the new one seems to relentlessly pursue his own agendas regardless of other peoples opinions. Most of his issues are trivial matters and his attention could be used for more important ones. One example is there is a problem with neighborhood kids and bullying and the administration tries to ignore it(they do not report it outside the school) rather than deal with the behavior problems. The result is children are afraid while attending school. Instead they focus on how many ways they can reduce the number of allowed tardies which is already a reasonable amount. Especially when you take into account the public bus system has late arrivals almost everyday which do not count against the student. However, what makes it a better than average school is the parent involvement, curriculum, and most of the teachers are great.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the MOST amazing school! When my child began going to this school, he had been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Delay, NOS. He was barely speaking in the 1st grade, and when he did, it was impossible to understand him! Over the course of 5 years, and with all of the support of every staff member down to the cafeteria workers (lol) my son excelled to the point that no one meeting him could ever tell that he was ever diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum! He was mainstreamed from 1st grade on and progressed to making the honor roll or principals list every grading period from the 3rd grade all the way through the 5th grade! They care and they are smart passionate educators who will come to know your child individually and treat them accordingly. They work with the entire family and if one is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have your child accepted to this program, you have effectively given your child the best academic start in Pinellas County! My son and I both miss this school with all of our hearts!
—Submitted by a parent

I am pleased to inform everyone what a great school Perkins Elementary is. This is the first year my daughter attended a magnet school. She attended Mt. Vernon since Kindergarten and this is her last year of elementary schooling. I was fearful changing her school the last year but I wanted her to excel and she seemed complacent just getting Honor Roll. I became enthralled when my daughter recieved Principal's List her first grading period. The principal is inviting, social and eager to help. ALL the teachers are enthusiastic, friendly, professional and respected by the parents and their students! I have never experienced such dedication from any other school my other children attended. I have praised this school to all my friends, family and co workers. Keep up the exceptional work Perkins your the best in my book.
—Submitted by a parent

The best thing I can say about Perkins is that my son thanks me often for letting him attend such a 'fun' school. Perkins makes learning fun, which sets the pace for their love of learning for the future. The teachers and students alike really enjoy being there. There is a great network of parent volunteers and you cannot beat the wonderful music, art, spanish, theatre, dance programs. Also, there is great gifted program and PE daily.
—Submitted by a parent

A fantastic school with a dedicated staff, parent volunteers and kids who are learning in all ways possible. Lots of great Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Spanish and equally engaging academics, plus a wonderful gifted program.
—Submitted by a teacher

I could not have wished for a better school for both of my kids. Getting into Perkins is like winning the lottery. The principal and the teacher are so very nice, the program is perfect for elementary school, and we always felt very welcome. The arts and Spanish program is fantastic, and still the academics were well taught. Highly recommended!
—Submitted by Nicole R., a parent

Every school should be like Perkins! The principal is fantastic! The teachers are like family! The children are happy, smiling, learning through hands on experience, and want to go to school! My child is sad when she misses a day, especially gifted day. The curriculum is absolutely wonderful, especially since they don't focus so much on the FCAT but rather on educating our children appropriately! Thank you, Perkins! Have you seen a curriculum that lets a child experience so many things? Along with the required classes,they also receive Spanish daily, art, music, violin & keyboarding, drama, computers, and dance. I am so happy that Perkins recognizes the need for P.E. daily. The parent involvement is super, top-notch. They have implemented a new magnet behavior plan this year to add for consistency. It is truly such a great, unbelievable atmosphere! My family is lucky to have won the lottery on this one!
—Submitted by a parent

As we all may want our kids to attend a 'perfect' school, there is no such thing. Perkins is a very good school rich in areas such as extra curricular activities, parent involvement and discipline. This school does an excellent job with exposing our children to the 2nd most popular language of america; spanish. Being a school of the arts, perkins students must be able to multi-task, if not they will be totally lost at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started kindergarten in August. I have been very impressed with Perkins so far. I overheard a comment of a parent saying that Perkins is as close to a private school as you can get and I believe this to be true. There are so many resources and learning opportunities at the school and the teachers truly engage the kids in what they are teaching. I feel very fortunate and thankful that my child got into this wonderful program.
—Submitted by a parent

New to Perkins, however, from what I have seen thus far it is a good school. I enjoy the focus on studies other than required state guidelines.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is filled with talented kids but focuses enormously on the arts and not as much on academics to help those students as they move on to secondary schools. There are many traditions already at this school. Students must have the ability to transition well as they are in and out of the classroom many times in one day.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson has gone to Perkins Elementary School since Kindergarten. Perkins is the best elementary school I've ever seen. All the teachers and administration are very involved in every aspect of the school and each child. Not only do they teach, they also help nurture and build confidence and self esteem. Perkins is an Arts and International Studies school and offers some of the best programs around. Every child is involved in some sort of art, music or dance and coached by wonderful teachers who encourage the children to do their best and have fun while doing it. Never have I seen a school where the parents are more involved and included in all aspects that they can be. Perkins is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been there for her first 6 yrs. This is a wonderful school teachers, principal & staff are extrodinary people. The education and introduction to the arts was awesome. It's hard to belive it was a public school. We highly praise this school and their abilities to provided a quality introduction to the arts and continue stimualting the childrens minds daily! The gifted classes are awesome, every class was a gift.
—Submitted by a parent

Perkins has been the best educational experience for my daughter. This is an A rated school where kids get to try their hand at many different fine-arts. My daughter graduated this year and we are going to miss our Perkins family very much!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent curriculum. My kids love the Spanish, drama, dance, and band classes. Parental support is strong here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child who graduated from Perkins and one who is still attending in the gifted program. This school has been so wonderful in every aspect. Teachers give the kids lots of individual attention and seem to love what they are doing. The arts programs are fantastic. The parents are very involved. We are so pleased that our kids got into Perkins and highly recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Perkins Elementary was a major factor in getting my son where he is today, a musical theatre major at the University of Florida a with goal of one day performing on Broadway. Even now, seven years after leaving Perkins, several teachers and staff come to see him perform. The extremly talented and supportive staff provided him the foundation to believe in his talent and himself to reach for the stars and and know that he can achieve his dream. Any child lucky enough to get into Perkins will truly recieve the best education available, even if the arts aren't the main focus.
—Submitted by Gail Brown, a parent

We have been attending Perkins for several years and are so pleased! The principal is extremely hands on and takes the time to get to know the students by name. He is seen at practically all the school events as well as his staff. Perkins teachers seem to really care about their students. There is much parent participation and a definite feeling of family. We could not be happier with our experience at Perkins! I would and do highly recommend the school!
—Submitted by a parent