DeSoto Central High School is a suburban public high school in Southaven, Mississippi, United States. It is a part of the DeSoto County School District and serves students from Southaven, Olive Branch, and Nesbit.
Serving 2,011 students in grades 9-12, Desoto Central High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 47%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,011 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 80% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desoto Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Desoto Central High School's student population of 2,011 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,011 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
1999
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Desoto Central High School ranks within the top 20% of all 805 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desoto Central High School is 0.62, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#86 out of 805 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
47%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
55%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
4%
5%
Black
48%
47%
White
38%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaggie The Jaguar
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desoto Central High School's ranking?
Desoto Central High School is ranked #86 out of 805 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Desoto Central High School often compared to?
Desoto Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lewisburg High School, Hernando High School, Center Hill High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 47% MS state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desoto Central High School?
The graduation rate of Desoto Central High School is 93%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend Desoto Central High School?
2,011 students attend Desoto Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Desoto Central High School students are Black, 38% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Desoto Central High School?
Desoto Central High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desoto Central High School offer ?
Desoto Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Desoto Central High School part of?
Desoto Central High School is part of Desoto Co School District.
In what neighborhood is Desoto Central High School located?
Desoto Central High School is located in the Snowden District neighborhood of Southaven, MS. There are 2 other public schools located in Snowden District.
School Reviews
5 3/16/2012
This school is an overall amazing school. Many of the students are always particapating in activities. All of the students care for each other one way or another, including academically. The campus is very clean and neat, everything is organized, and the students understand what they are supposed to be doing. I believe this is a five-star, 6A, amazing school, and I depply reccomend it for anybody looking for a good education.
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