For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,680 students in Arcadia, FL (there are 2 private schools, serving 115 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Arcadia, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Arcadia, FL are Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Desoto Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcadia, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Arcadia have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Arcadia, FL (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.
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: #44.
Desoto County High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1710 E Gibson St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 494-3434
Gr: 9-12 | 1,215 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
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
Rank: n/an/a
310 W Whidden St
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Arcadia, FL 34266
(863) 993-1333
Gr: PK
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arcadia, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Arcadia, FL include Memorial Elementary School, West Elementary School and Desoto Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Arcadia?
7 public schools are located in Arcadia.
What percentage of students in Arcadia go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Arcadia are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arcadia?
Arcadia public schools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Arcadia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arcadia include: West Elementary School vs. Memorial Elementary School, Memorial Elementary School vs. West Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
