For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,286 students in Desoto County, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 306 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Desoto County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Desoto County, FL are Desoto Virtual Academy, Memorial Elementary School and West Elementary 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 31% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), 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 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Desoto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Desoto Virtual Academy
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| 6 students
Rank: #22.
Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
851 E Hickory St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Grades: PK-5
| 820 students
Rank: #33.
West Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
304 W Imogene St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Grades: PK-5
| 684 students
Rank: #44.
Nocatee Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 31%)
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
| 416 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
| 10 students
Rank: #66.
Desoto Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 30%)
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
| 1,011 students
Rank: #77.
Desoto County High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1710 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Grades: 9-12
| 1,259 students
Rank: #88.
Desoto Secondary School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
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
| 68 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| n/a 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
| 12 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: PK
| n/a 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
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 2023)
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
Hospital And Homebound (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
494 N Manatee Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Grades: K-12
| n/a 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 2023)
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 Desoto Virtual Academy, Memorial Elementary School and West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Desoto County?
11 public schools are located in Desoto County.
What percentage of students in Desoto County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Desoto County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Desoto County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Desoto County include: West Elementary School vs. Memorial Elementary School, Memorial Elementary School vs. West Elementary School, Nocatee Elementary School vs. Memorial Elementary School
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