DeSoto County Schools & Education
DeSoto County, Florida
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
20/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,095
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,118
School Score
20/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#63
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: DeSoto County
School Verdict
DeSoto County faces educational challenges with a school score of 20/100 and a graduation rate of 85.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,095 per pupil, DeSoto County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for DeSoto County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 44% below the Florida average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 0% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in DeSoto County, Florida
Essential Education Services in DeSoto
DeSoto County operates a compact system of 11 public schools serving 4,582 students. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, alongside six other specialized facilities. This streamlined layout focuses resources within a single district.
Resilient Performance in a Small District
DeSoto County maintains an 85.0% graduation rate and a school score of 48.9. The district spends $6,095 per pupil, which aligns closely with the Florida state average of $6,118. While these metrics trail national benchmarks slightly, the district provides a consistent educational foundation.
A Traditional Single-District Approach
The DeSoto District manages all 4,582 students across its 11 schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the public school population attends district-run institutions. This creates a unified educational experience with no alternative public options.
Intimate Schools in a Town Setting
Almost all schools in DeSoto are located in town locales, creating a centralized social hub for students. The average school size is 509 students, though DeSoto County High School is much larger with 1,244 students. This environment offers a close-knit feel where most students attend the same central campuses.
Find Your Place in the DeSoto Community
Living in DeSoto County means being part of a traditional town-centered school system. Homes near West Elementary or the local high school provide easy access to the county's academic heart. Discover the benefits of small-town school life by browsing local real estate.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in DeSoto County
Total Enrollment
4,582
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in DeSoto County
DESOTO
11 Public Schools in DeSoto County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESOTO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL | DESOTO | 9–12 | High | 1,244 |
| DESOTO MIDDLE SCHOOL | DESOTO | 6–8 | Middle | 1,169 |
| WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | DESOTO | PK–5 | Primary | 795 |
| MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | DESOTO | PK–5 | Primary | 793 |
| NOCATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | DESOTO | PK–5 | Primary | 446 |
| DESOTO SECONDARY SCHOOL | DESOTO | KG–12 | Alternative | 69 |
| DESOTO VIRTUAL ACADEMY | DESOTO | KG–12 | Other | 53 |
| REDUCED SERVICES | DESOTO | KG–12 | Alternative | 10 |
| TEEN PAREN PK CHILD CARE PROGRAM | DESOTO | PK | Other | 3 |
| HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND | DESOTO | KG–12 | Special Education | 0 |
| DESOTO VIRTUAL FRANCHISE | DESOTO | KG–12 | Other | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,095
State avg $6,118
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in DeSoto County rate?
What is the graduation rate in DeSoto County?
How much does DeSoto County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in DeSoto County, Florida — FAQ
What does the school system look like in DeSoto County, Florida?
DeSoto County operates a compact system of 11 public schools serving 4,582 students. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, alongside six other specialized facilities. This streamlined layout focuses resources within a single district.
How do schools in DeSoto County perform academically?
DeSoto County maintains an 85.0% graduation rate and a school score of 48.9. The district spends $6,095 per pupil, which aligns closely with the Florida state average of $6,118. While these metrics trail national benchmarks slightly, the district provides a consistent educational foundation.
What are the major school districts in DeSoto County, Florida?
The DeSoto District manages all 4,582 students across its 11 schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the public school population attends district-run institutions. This creates a unified educational experience with no alternative public options.
What is the school experience like in DeSoto County?
Almost all schools in DeSoto are located in town locales, creating a centralized social hub for students. The average school size is 509 students, though DeSoto County High School is much larger with 1,244 students. This environment offers a close-knit feel where most students attend the same central campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in DeSoto County, Florida?
Living in DeSoto County means being part of a traditional town-centered school system. Homes near West Elementary or the local high school provide easy access to the county's academic heart. Discover the benefits of small-town school life by browsing local real estate.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.