DeSoto Central High School is a suburban public high school in Southaven, Mississippi, United States. It is a part of the DeSoto County School District and serves students from Southaven, Olive Branch, and Nesbit.
Serving 2,000 students in grades 9-13, Desoto Central High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 76% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 60% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 2,000 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 76% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 68% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desoto Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Desoto Central High School's student population of 2,000 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 112 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,000 students
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Year Founded
1999
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desoto Central High School ranks within the top 20% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desoto Central High School is 0.64, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#108 out of 795 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
8%
7%
Black
49%
45%
White
34%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Desoto County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaggie The Jaguar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desoto Central High School's ranking?
Desoto Central High School is ranked #108 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Desoto Central High School often compared to?
Desoto Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lewisburg High School, Hernando High School, Center Hill High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
76% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desoto Central High School?
The graduation rate of Desoto Central High School is 95%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend Desoto Central High School?
2,000 students attend Desoto Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Desoto Central High School students are Black, 34% of students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desoto Central High School?
Desoto Central High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 14:1.
What grades does Desoto Central High School offer ?
Desoto Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Desoto Central High School part of?
Desoto Central High School is part of Desoto County School District.
In what neighborhood is Desoto Central High School located?
Desoto Central High School is located in the Snowden District neighborhood of Southaven, MS. There are 2 other public schools located in Snowden District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school is an overall amazing school. Many of the students are always particapating in activities. All of the students care for each other one way or another, including academically. The campus is very clean and neat, everything is organized, and the students understand what they are supposed to be doing. I believe this is a five-star, 6A, amazing school, and I depply reccomend it for anybody looking for a good education.
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