For the 2026 school year, there are 8 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 Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Nocatee 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 34% (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 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Desoto County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
851 E Hickory St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Gr: PK-5 | 861 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
304 W Imogene St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Gr: PK-5 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #33.
Nocatee Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4846 Sw Shores Ave
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Desoto Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
420 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4133
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-4133
Gr: 6-8 | 922 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #55.
Desoto County High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1710 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Gr: 9-12 | 1,215 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: K-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 51:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: n/an/a
Reduced Services
Alternative School
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: K-12 | 9 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: PK
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 Nocatee 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 67% (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
Recent Articles
When Absenteeism Signals a School Fit Problem
Learn when student absenteeism may point to a school fit problem and how parents can respond constructively.
The Middle School Transition: Questions Parents Should Ask Before Sixth or Seventh Grade
Help your child succeed in middle school by asking the right questions before sixth or seventh grade. Learn what to ask about academics, safety, and student support.
How to Spot a School Climate Problem Before Enrolling
Learn how to identify school climate problems before enrolling in a public school, including warning signs, key questions, and reliable data sources.