For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 3,027 students in Desoto County, FL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Desoto County, FL are Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Nocatee Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Desoto County, FL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Florida public elementary school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 53% statewide average). Elementary schools in Desoto County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Desoto County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
851 E Hickory St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-0755
Gr: PK-5 | 861 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
304 W Imogene St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3155
Gr: PK-5 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #33.
Nocatee Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4846 Sw Shores Ave
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Nocatee, FL 34268
(863) 494-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
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 | 922 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #55.
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 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 51:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
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 | 9 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Desoto County, FL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Desoto County, FL include Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Nocatee Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Desoto County?
9 public elementary schools are located in Desoto County.
What is the racial composition of students in Desoto County?
Desoto County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Desoto County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Desoto County include: West Elementary School vs. Memorial Elementary School, Nocatee Elementary School vs. Memorial Elementary School, Memorial Elementary School vs. West Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.