The John D. Perkins, Sr. Elementary School is located on Route 10 approximately one mile north of the village of Marlow. Over the years the school's population has ranged between 50 and 70 students. The school is configured into four classrooms; kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grades 5 and 6. Population in each classroom varies, but is normally below twenty students.

The school is on about ten acres of land and is bordered on the east by Route 10, on the south by a beautiful wetland which includes a number of beaver lodges, to the east by woodlands which are filled with ponds and trails, and to the north by a single residence which is not visible from the school because of the surrounding woodlands. Nearby is Bald Mountain which overlooks the village and surrounding area. The summit is less than an hour hike from the school on trails which begin on school property. Also nearby is the Ashuelot River, perfect for kayaking and superb trout fishing.

Marlow has a population of about 700 people and could be considered a prime example of what small town New England life is all about. In this setting a sense of family and support is evident in the school. Community members have come together to produce remarkable changes in the school grounds over the years. A large, multi-faceted play structure sits in the center of the playground, and a nature observatory overlook the wetlands to the south. Both were produced by partnerships between community members and school staff.

Most students ride the bus to school. Middle and high school students go to Keene schools, located about 18 miles south of Marlow. In the warmer months, some students ride bikes to school over woodland trails that run between the school and the village. Marlow is known as the "icebox of Cheshire County," and as a result, the climate is slightly colder than the surrounding area.