For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,027 students in Desoto County, FL.
The top ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Florida public elementary school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 53% statewide average). Elementary schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Desoto County (2025)
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 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
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 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
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 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #44.
Desoto Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Minority enrollment: 67%
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
Gr: K-12 | 10 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #66.
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 | 1,011 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #77.
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 | 68 students Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: K-12
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 | 12 students Minority enrollment: 67%
Desoto County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Carlstrom Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Gr: 6-12 | 126 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
12100 Sw Academy Dr
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Gr: K-7 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Desoto Alternative Center (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
5891 Se Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Gr: K-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
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
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
318 N Wilson Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Gr: PK | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Hospital And Homebound (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
494 N Manatee Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Gr: K-12
Joshua Creek Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Gr: 6-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
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
Gr: PK
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
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Desoto County, FL?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Desoto County, FL include Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Nocatee Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Desoto County?
9 public elementary schools are located in Desoto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Desoto County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.