Perkins Elementary School

Perkins Elementary School in St. Petersburg, FL, is a mid-sized elementary school serving 561 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, and it stands out as a stable, improving school in a challenging neighborhood within the Pinellas district.

The most striking difference between Perkins and its neighbors is its exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 16.1%, which is roughly half the district and state averages. This is a dramatic contrast to nearby schools like Melrose Elementary School (57.4%) and Campbell Park Elementary School (59.2%), where chronic absenteeism is a major challenge. Perkins also serves a more economically diverse population, with 53.48% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, compared to rates of 79-90% at schools like Fairmount Park Elementary School and Maximo Elementary School. This combination of strong attendance and moderate economic diversity likely drives its consistent academic performance, which often meets or exceeds state averages—for example, 70% of 3rd graders met math standards, above the state average of 66%.

While Perkins is a "bright spot" relative to its immediate peers, it sits in the shadow of higher-performing magnet and fundamental schools just blocks away, such as Midtown Academy (88th percentile) and Lakeview Fundamental Elementary (75th percentile). Interestingly, Perkins' state ranking has declined over the long term even as its test scores improve, suggesting other schools are improving faster. For parents, Perkins offers a safe, stable environment where students show up and learn, making it a solid choice for families seeking consistency in a neighborhood where many schools struggle with attendance and performance.