For the 2025 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 Public Middle Schools in Desoto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: K-12
| 6 students
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
Grades: K-12
| 10 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 1,011 students
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
Grades: K-12
| 68 students
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Reduced Services
Alternative School
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Grades: K-12
| 12 students
Desoto County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Carlstrom Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5367
Grades: 6-12
| 126 students
12100 Sw Academy Dr
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Arcadia, FL 34269
(941) 586-5576
Grades: K-7
| 154 students
Desoto Alternative Center (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
5891 Se Highway 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0151
Grades: K-12
| 39 students
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
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
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
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
318 N Wilson Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-9303
Grades: PK
| 41 students
Hospital And Homebound (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
494 N Manatee Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0261
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Joshua Creek Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
5871 Southeast Hwy 31
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 491-5300
Grades: 6-12
| 125 students
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
Grades: PK
| n/a students
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
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
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

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Editorial: Common Core Standards a Good Place to Start, but More Work is Needed
The Common Core Standards were created in order to facilitate greater academic progress among K-12 students, and seek to provide consistent academic benchmarks that students must meet. While Common Core is a step in the right direction, there are some concerns that need to be addressed before they reach their optimal effectiveness.

Boston Schools: Change Fostered By Private Organizations
We examine the contributions Play Ball! and the Boston Scholar Athlete Program have made to athletics in Boston Public Schools.