Perry Iowa's Community Amenities

Since its beginning more than 150 years ago, Perry has prospered through innovation and determination, as well treasures Perry has to offer, including genuine appreciation for the people who make up its social fabric. Excellent schools and a college career center, exceptional health care professionals and a topnotch hospital, plus a wide variety of career paths and expanding housing options make Perry well-positioned for continued growth.

Education

Perry is a community that values education. Its schools, both public and private, are filled with staff and programs that nurture students’ interests and help them strive for successful futures. Perry is home to several preschools and daycare centers and is surrounded by nearby higher education choices, including a college and career academy in the heart of downtown, as well as proximity to other colleges and fouryear universities.

DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy

The DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy is a shining star in the community. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, the state-of-the-art facility gives students affordable educational opportunities – right in their own backyard – to better their lives and careers.

The Academy opened in 2011 after the community came together to fundraise and collaborated with state and local officials to be able to offer quality and affordable college education close to home. The center, located just south of the public library on 2nd Street, provides a direct pathway between local high schools and Des Moines Area Community College, preparing students to enter the skilled trades workforce or pursue an associate’s degree.

“The DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy offers area high school students the chance to explore various career paths, earn college credit and decrease the cost of a higher education all close to home and at no cost to the student or their family,” said Director Eddie Diaz.

In 2021-22 school year alone, more than 125 Perry High School students were enrolled at the Academy and earned 1,356 DMACC credits, he noted. The average DMACC tuition saved per student was $1,887.55, with a total of $235,944 saved by students.

In addition to offering an affordable education, the Academy also provides students with a staff that cares. From teachers to advisors and beyond, the team places a focus on supporting students, working with them to develop their interests, pursue scholarships and reach their professional goals.

In partnership with area school districts, the Academy offers programs to high school students in such fields as health occupations, welding, teaching, applied engineering and more. The school’s new Computer Languages Academy is one more avenue for students to pursue hightech skills that will lead to highpaying jobs.

Student gain hands-on experience in well-equipped labs and workshops, as well as through clinical hours and internships. They also can take academic classes in writing, math, government, the sciences and other subjects that can transfer to 4-year colleges and universities.

Perry Community School District

The Perry Community School District’s motto, “One Team, One Purpose,” sums up a philosophy that honors the district’s commitment to student success by building strong relationships with students, parents and families.

Perry Community Schools comprise a rural school district covering 154-square miles (including the communities of Dawson and Bouton). Located about 25 miles northwest of Des Moines, the district has three sites – elementary, middle and high school, all in Perry – and serves more than 1,800 students in preschool through grade 12. The district’s strengths include diversity, community support and a smalltown feel that provides endless opportunities.

The Perry Bluejays enjoy many academic and recreational amenities. Every student in grades 2nd through 12th has a laptop. STEM classes are offered at all levels. A before-school, afterschool and summer program in its 20th year, Perry’s Academic and Cultural Enrichment Services (PACES), provide safe, challenging and fun activities for the children of working parents.

The district has become well known for the high caliber of its instruction, which actively embraces new technology and focuses on the development of the whole student. Seating more than 600, the Perry Performing Arts Center, graces the middle and high school campus.

“I have been a part of the Perry Schools for 29 years. I am proud to be a Perry Bluejay because this school district is all about student success. There are many programs and outstanding educators at Perry Schools that ensure Student Success. Our facilities, staff, and community support are top notch!” said Superintendent Clark Wicks.

A $6.4 million industrial technology, multi-purpose/wrestling room building project was completed in 2020. Perry High School has the only museum in the United States to display the Constitution/ Bill of Rights. It also has 800 photos of Perry History and an exhibit titled “Education through the Ages.” Upgrades to security systems provide a safe and friendly learning environment. An array of clubs and programs are available to students, including band, chorus, dance team, drama, speech, National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Academic decathlon, a full array of sports, service clubs and more.

Also offered to high school students through concurrent enrollment are 40 college-level classes that provide the opportunity to earn up to 50 of the 60 credit hours required for an associate degree prior to graduation. Multiple students have received their associate degree by taking a few more on-line courses through Des Moines Area Community College, whose Perry VanKirk Career Academy is an integral part of their educational opportunities.

St. Patrick’s Catholic School

“We want every Knight to have, believe, and achieve their dreams.”

St. Patrick’s Catholic School has a more than 100-year tradition of “putting faith in education.” Seven years after Mrs. Nora O’Malley began her efforts to bring a Catholicguided education to Perry, the school opened in 1921. It has continued to focus on a holistic education, encompassing mind, body and soul.

St. Patrick School offers a single section of grades kindergarten through eighth grade with an average of 15 students per class. Free 4-yearold preschool is offered through a partnership with Perry Community Schools and the Universal Preschool Program. The school prides itself on its small classrooms that offer a family friendly environment where life-long friendships are formed.

In the classrooms, learning is hands-on and catered to the individual needs staff see. Besides religion and the core subjects, students are taught music, art, and physical education. Students can participate in reading support, language development programs, and many afterschool extracurricular activities. School-sponsored sports begin in seventh grade for all students.

The school has active parent volunteers who support it. Parents are asked to volunteer on committees that keep them connected to the community, ranging from School Board to the Parent Ambassador program to the maintenance committee.

“What makes St. Patrick School so unique is the small classes, the way the middle school kids help with the younger students, and just the unity that is present from preschool to eighth graders from staff members to students.”- Parent of a St. Patrick Student

While the Catholic faith is part of school life, students of all faiths are welcomed. Students, teachers, and staff start the day with an all-school prayer and say prayers throughout the day. Students participate in weekly school Masses and help with weekend community Masses monthly. They participate in servicerelated activities including a school favorite, the annual service day prior to Spring Break.

Technology is a vital part of school life. St. Patrick School is a 1:1 studentto-device program in grades fifth through eighth, and students have either Chromebooks or Chrome tablets in kindergarten through fourth grade. These devices are used regularly in the classrooms and are an integral part of technology classes.

Thanks to the support of the parish community, the O’Malley Foundation, Catholic Tuition Organization grants, and the stewardship program, tuition is kept affordable for all families who want to send their students to St. Patrick School.

Perry Public Library

The Perry Public Library is more than just books. It enables the community to thrive by offering lifelong opportunities to connect, learn and create. Prominently located on the corner of 1st Avenue and Willis Avenue, the library provides access to free Wi-Fi, more than 46,000 books, magazines and movies, numerous programs and hands-on activities, as well as space to relax. A 2020 remodeling project included the installation of artistic light fixtures, a new circulation desk with three check-out stations, new flooring, a family-style restroom, and a new water fountain with a touch-free bottle-filling station.

Healthcare & Wellness

A healthy community is a happy community, and Perry has a plethora of health and wellness professionals to accomplish that mission. From a modern hospital to doctor offices and from retirement and nursing homes to dentists and chiropractors, residents have access to a variety of care and facilities.

For almost 70 years, the Dallas County Hospital has taken care of thousands of people throughout Central Iowa. At the 25-bed critical access facility, patients are cared for compassionately by friends and neighbors in a modern setting that’s also close to home.

Originally known as the King’s Daughter’s Hospital, Dallas County Hospital and Family Medicine Clinics was founded in 1954. Today it serves patients from Dallas, Greene, Guthrie, and Boone counties. The hospital’s mission – to improve the health of the people we serve – is rooted in a deep tradition of setting the standard in compassionate, convenient and cost effective medical care for the community.

The hospital’s expertly trained staff and physicians use the latest advancements in technology to take care of patients for everything from the common cold to a serious illness. Focus is put on wellness and disease prevention to build the health of people of all ages. The hospital offers more than 25 specialized healthcare services such as radiology, mammography, chemotherapy, surgical, lab services and therapy services. Emergency room services are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Dallas County’s Emergency Medical Services work with the hospital to assist in crisis situations and provide patients optimal care.

Perry Lutheran Homes offers a full range of service and care at three senior living campuses. Seniors receive innovative, personalized, and Christ-centered living and care. With three campuses in Perry and within 30 minutes of Des Moines, there are a wide variety of senior housing and service options to meet specific needs.

Economic Development

Perry Economic Development is a catalyst organization that supports and facilitates the sustainable growth and development of the city. Perry is a progressive, financially viable and diverse community, and PED works to advance the financial, social and environmental well-being of the city’s citizens and businesses.

PED’s innovative approaches to job creation, workforce development and partnerships with public entities, community organizations and businesses fuel growth. Firms looking to expand will find that Perry’s skilled labor force, convenient access to major transportation routes and the community’s proactive approach to economic development give Perry a competitive advantage.

With both a commercial park and industrial park, Perry prides itself on being developmentready, technology-equipped, and entrepreneurial and innovationfriendly.

The Perry Industrial Park is comprised of a total of 151 acres certified for light industrial business development; it is already established as a successful Research and Science Park with industry leading tenants. The commercial park includes almost 12 acres that are a short drive from major highways and downtown Des Moines.

Recognizing that quality of life efforts are important tools for the successful recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce, PED is actively engaged in building a sustainable downtown.

Its recent purchase of the Hotel Pattee and the LaPoste special event space are one example of this effort. These historic gems and viable businesses are now locally owned and operated. They represent a significant economic asset to Perry, with the hotel bringing as many as 65,000 people a year to town.

A cornerstone of its efforts is a strong partnership with DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy, Perry High School and the City of Perry to develop educational programs that promote a workforce ready for careers in a variety of areas, including health care, welding, teaching, applied engineering and more.

With a strong manufacturing and food processing base, as well as a strong service industry, Perry also offers many other amenities. It’s is a great place to expand, relocate or start a new business, and PED can help with its’ extensive experience, knowledge of the area, skill at procuring grants, and focus on partnerships.