For the 2024 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,568 students in Desoto County, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 279 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Desoto County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top ranked public schools in Desoto County, FL are Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Desoto Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Desoto County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Florida public school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public school average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Desoto County (2024)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
851 E Hickory St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Grades: PK-5
| 864 students
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
304 W Imogene St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Grades: PK-5
| 780 students
Rank: #33.
Desoto Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
420 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4133
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4133
Grades: 6-8
| 1,035 students
Rank: #44.
Desoto County High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1710 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Grades: 9-12
| 1,244 students
Rank: #55.
Desoto Virtual Franchise
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| 0 students
Rank: #66.
Nocatee Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4846 Sw Shores Ave
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Grades: PK-5
| 482 students
Rank: #77.
Desoto Secondary School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
318 N Wilson Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Grades: K-12
| 70 students
Rank: n/an/a
530 Lasolona Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4222
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4222
Grades: K-12
| 78 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| 0 students
Rank: n/an/a
Hospital And Homebound
Special Education School
494 N Manatee Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Grades: K-12
| 0 students
Rank: n/an/a
Reduced Services
Alternative School
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| 13 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: PK
| 2 students
Desoto County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Carlstrom Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Grades: 6-12
| 126 students
The Community Green Elementary School (Closed 2013)
Charter School
12100 Sw Academy Dr
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Grades: K-7
| 154 students
Desoto Alternative Center (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
5891 Se Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Grades: K-12
| 39 students
Desoto County Adult Education Center (Closed 2021)
Vocational School
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Desoto County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
2p. O. Drawer 2000
Arcadia, FL 34265
(863) 494-422
Arcadia, FL 34265
(863) 494-422
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
318 N Wilson Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Grades: PK
| 41 students
Joshua Creek Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Grades: 6-12
| 125 students
Private Pk Ese Elementary School (Closed 2016)
Special Education School
4846 Sw Shores Ave, Pk Unit
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4511
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4511
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Spring Lake Youth Academy (Closed 2021)
Alternative School
8805 Sw Start Center St
Arcadia, FL 34269
(863) 494-3434
Arcadia, FL 34269
(863) 494-3434
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Desoto County, FL?
The top ranked public schools in Desoto County, FL include Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Desoto Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Desoto County, FL?
12 public schools are located in Desoto County, FL.
What percentage of students in Desoto County, FL go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Desoto County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County, FL?
Desoto County, FL public schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public schools average of 64% (majority Hispanic).
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