Desoto Middle School

420 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 922 students in grades 6-8, Desoto Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 33% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Florida state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 922 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 73%
  • : Bottom 50% in FL
  • : 33% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • : DeSoto Middle School's attendance zone covers the entire Arcadia, FL school district, encompassing approximately 639.5 square miles. Families typically live 20-30 minutes away from the school, with an average distance of 14.7 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum of 22.1 miles to its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

School Overview

Desoto Middle School's student population of 922 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
922 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar

School Rankings

Desoto Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desoto Middle School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (FL)
#3211 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

33%
52%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

30%
52%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

29%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
1%
3%

Showing 2011–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
55%
38%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Black
14%
21%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
27%
34%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
3%
4%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
73%
0.61

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
51.6%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
42%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

Colors
#OneDesoto, All For Kids.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desoto Middle School's ranking?
Desoto Middle School is ranked #3211 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Florida.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
How many students attend Desoto Middle School?
922 students attend Desoto Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Desoto Middle School students are Hispanic, 27% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desoto Middle School?
Desoto Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Desoto Middle School offer ?
Desoto Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desoto Middle School part of?
Desoto Middle School is part of Desoto School District.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 922 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 73%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 33% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • : DeSoto Middle School's attendance zone covers the entire Arcadia, FL school district, encompassing approximately 639.5 square miles. Families typically live 20-30 minutes away from the school, with an average distance of 14.7 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum of 22.1 miles to its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education

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