About Us

The Center for the Arts & International Studies at Perkins Elementary emphasizes hands-on learning in fine and performing arts, challenging academic content, the study of other cultures and foreign language. Students are exposed to many different learning approaches during their participation in this program and are expected to achieve at or above grade level. Many visiting artists, touring companies and schoolwide activities make Perkins a cheerful, family-oriented place for children to learn and grow. The innovative teaching techniques, the caring concern of all the teachers and individualized attention make learning fun and exciting at the Center for the Arts & International Studies.

Areas of Study

Beginning in kindergarten, all students attend Spanish and P.E. classes. Each week students also attend classes in music, art, dance, theatre, keyboarding (beginning in 2nd grade), violin instruction using the Suzuki method (in 1st and 2nd grade) and, if they choose, band or orchestra in the 3rd and 4th grades.  After this exposure to the arts, students in 4th and 5th grades are given a choice from approximately 10 “Focus Groups.”

Perkins Elementary is home to an $11-million facility especially designed for the arts that includes four music rooms; a fullsized dance studio; two visual arts studios with kilns, potter’s wheels and an art gallery for displaying students’ artwork; a theatre classroom and a 250-seat theater.

A large foreign language area includes a kitchen and open space for dancing, music and art to enhance the study of other cultures. The high-tech lab, the fully networked and Internet-ready classrooms and the multimedia network give students opportunities.

Applying for PCS Choice Programs

Transportation for Application Programs