For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,107 students in Desoto County, FL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Desoto County, FL are Desoto Virtual Academy, Desoto Virtual Franchise and Desoto Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Desoto County, FL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Florida public middle school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 52% statewide average). Middle schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public middle school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Middle Schools in Desoto County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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 ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø 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 middle schools in Desoto County, FL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Desoto County, FL include Desoto Virtual Academy, Desoto Virtual Franchise and Desoto Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Desoto County?
6 public middle schools are located in Desoto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public middle schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public middle schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.