Needs Improvement
#3508 of 3,778 schools in FL
Desoto Middle School
Middle School · DESOTO
420 E GIBSON ST, Arcadia, FL 34266
Enrollment
1,011
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
3.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,011
Student-Teacher
20.2:1
Score
3.8
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Florida schools
#3,508 of 3,778
In Arcadia
#5 of 5
public schools
In district
#6 of 6
DESOTO
Shortlisting around Desoto Middle School?
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Desoto Middle School
Middle School in Arcadia · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Memorial Elementary School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Faith Community Christian Academy
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Desoto Middle School
Desoto Middle School is a public middle school in Arcadia, FL, part of DESOTO. Desoto Middle School serves approximately 1,011 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Desoto Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #3,508 of 3,778 schools in FL.
Structured state assessment records for Desoto Middle School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
- FL avg 5.9
What Parents Should Know
Desoto Middle School runs 20.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
47% of students at Desoto Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Desoto Middle School — Students at Desoto Middle School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
70.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 34 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.3/10.
How Desoto Middle School Compares
See how Desoto Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
420 E GIBSON ST, Arcadia, FL 34266
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Desoto Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. ATWATER ELEMENTARY (rated 9.2/10, 19.3 miles away, in nearby North Port), which scores notably higher. Another option is DEEP CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 19.1 miles away, in nearby Pt Charlotte), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ZOLFO SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Zolfo Springs), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Arcadia, see our Arcadia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Arcadia | 0.6 mi | 5.0 |
| FAITH COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Arcadia | 0.7 mi | 6.4 |
| DESOTO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Arcadia | 0.7 mi | 4.5 |
| DESOTO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcadia | 0.8 mi | — |
| REDUCED SERVICES Arcadia | 0.8 mi | — |
| DESOTO VIRTUAL FRANCHISE Arcadia | 0.8 mi | — |
| DESOTO VIRTUAL ACADEMY Arcadia | 0.8 mi | — |
| WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Arcadia | 0.8 mi | 5.1 |
| DESOTO SECONDARY SCHOOL Arcadia | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| NOCATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Nocatee | 5.2 mi | 5.4 |
| GATOR WILDERNESS CAMP SCHOOL Punta Gorda | 16.3 mi | — |
| FAITH PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lake Suzy | 17.1 mi | — |
| ZOLFO SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Zolfo Springs | 19.2 mi | 7.7 |
| DEEP CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pt Charlotte | 19.1 mi | 8.4 |
| JOYFUL NOISE LEARNING CENTER Port Charlotte | 19.3 mi | — |
| CHARLOTTE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Port Charlotte | 19.5 mi | 6.1 |
| KINGSWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Port Charlotte | 19.7 mi | 5.3 |
| WOODLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL North Port | 19.1 mi | 7.0 |
| PORT CHARLOTTE ADVENTIST SCHOOL Port Charlotte | 19.9 mi | 6.4 |
| ATWATER ELEMENTARY North Port | 19.3 mi | 9.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 34266 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$47,414
Median Home Value
$144,600
Median Rent
$907/mo
Population
29,065
College Educated
9.7%
Homeownership
66.2%
Avg Commute
30.2 min
Poverty Rate
25.9%
Median Age
39.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| KINLOCH PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL Miami, FL | 3.8 |
| SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 3.8 |
| ARLINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville, FL | 3.7 |
| BAYONET POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL New Port Richey, FL | 3.7 |
| J. H. WORKMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Pensacola, FL | 3.7 |
| LAKEVIEW MIDDLE Winter Garden, FL | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Desoto Middle School
What grades does Desoto Middle School serve?
Desoto Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Desoto Middle School?
Desoto Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,011 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Desoto Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Desoto Middle School is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Desoto Middle School rank in FL?
Desoto Middle School ranks #3,508 of 3,778 schools in FL.
What is Desoto Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Desoto Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Desoto Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Desoto Middle School has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Desoto Middle School a charter school?
No, Desoto Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Desoto Middle School a Title I school?
No, Desoto Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Desoto Middle School?
70.3% of students at Desoto Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,011
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 70.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- DeSoto County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 47.1%
- Phone
- (863) 494-4133
Resources & Links
District
DESOTO- District Enrollment
- 4,286
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,385
- District Rank
- #6 of 6
How we rate schools
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