Serving 1,407 students in grades 6-8, Desoto Central Middle School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 74% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (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 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,407 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in MS
- Math Proficiency: 74% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desoto Central Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Desoto Central Middle School's student population of 1,407 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,407 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desoto Central Middle School ranks within the top 10% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desoto Central Middle School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#74 out of 795 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
4%
5%
Black
46%
47%
White
34%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desoto Central Middle School's ranking?
Desoto Central Middle School is ranked #74 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Desoto Central Middle School often compared to?
Desoto Central Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Horn Lake Middle School, Olive Branch Middle School, Hernando Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
How many students attend Desoto Central Middle School?
1,407 students attend Desoto Central Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Desoto Central Middle School students are Black, 34% of students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desoto Central Middle School?
Desoto Central Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does Desoto Central Middle School offer ?
Desoto Central Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desoto Central Middle School part of?
Desoto Central Middle School is part of Desoto Co School District.
In what neighborhood is Desoto Central Middle School located?
Desoto Central Middle School is located in the Snowden District neighborhood of Southaven, MS. There are 2 other public schools located in Snowden District.
School Reviews
Review Desoto Central Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.