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 (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 922 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in FL
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
922 students
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#3211 out of 3662 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
55%
38%
Black
14%
21%
White
27%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)51.6%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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.
School Reviews
Review Desoto Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
