For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,920 students in Desoto County, FL.
The top-ranked public preschools 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 preschools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the Florida public pre school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 54% statewide average). Pre schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschool average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Desoto County (2026-27)
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: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: PK
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 preschools in Desoto County, FL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Desoto County, FL include Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Nocatee Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Desoto County?
4 public preschools are located in Desoto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public preschools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public preschools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Desoto County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools 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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