Desoto Central Middle School

Summary:

Desoto Central Middle School is a high-performing public middle school in Southaven, Mississippi, serving 1,468 students in grades 6-8. Part of the Desoto County School District, which is ranked 33 out of 130 school districts in the state, Desoto Central Middle School consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Mississippi, maintaining a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for several consecutive years.

The school's students consistently outperform their peers at the state and district levels on MAAP (Mississippi Academic Assessment Program) tests, with 8th-grade students scoring 62.3% proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 42% and the district average of 46.9%. Desoto Central Middle School also boasts a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 17 to 19 students per teacher, suggesting a more personalized learning environment. However, the school faces significant socioeconomic challenges, with over 99% of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

When compared to other middle schools in the Desoto County School District, such as Lewisburg Middle and Hernando Middle School, Desoto Central Middle School generally outperforms its peers in terms of academic rankings and test scores, making it a standout example of educational excellence in the region.

Detail:

Public 6-8

2611 Central Parkway
Southaven, MS 38671

(662) 349-6660

District: Desoto County School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
22^nd of 264 Mississippi Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $8,176

Students who attend Desoto Central Middle School usually attend:

High:

Desoto Central High School

Feeder schools for Desoto Central Middle School:

Elementary:	Desoto Central Elementary School
	Desoto Central Primary
	Pleasant Hill Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 17.5

Number of students: 1,407

Racial breakdown:

African American:

46.3%

White:

33.4%

Two or more races:

12.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 37.2%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Desoto Central Middle School ranks better than 91.7% of middle schools in Mississippi. It also ranks 3^rd among 8 ranked middle schools in the Desoto County School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 89.2. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Desoto Central Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (46.3%), White (33.4%), two or more races (12%). (See more...)

Compare Details 37.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Desoto Central Middle School is 17.5. 6 middle schools in the Desoto County School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Desoto Central Middle School employs 80.1 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Desoto Central Middle School is $8,176, which is the lowest among 8 middle schools in the Desoto County School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

Desoto Central Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Desoto Central Middle School 22^nd of 264 Mississippi public middle schools. (See Desoto Central Middle School in the ranking list.)

Desoto County School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Desoto County School District 33^rd of 130 Mississippi school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Desoto Central Middle School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MS State Percentile
2008	93.72	5^th	244	98.0%
2009	91.71	9^th	247	96.4%
2010	87.82	19^th	255	92.5%
2011	84.47	24^th	264	90.9%
2012	90.02	19^th	270	93.0%
2013	95.29	3^rd	269	98.9%
2014	94.03	2^nd	264	99.2%
2015	99.46	1^st	266	99.6%
2016	98.20	1^st	260	99.6%
2017	97.28	1^st	272	99.6%
2018	94.28	7^th	252	97.2%
2019	91.89	8^th	264	97.0%
2021	91.53	13^th	257	94.9%
2022	91.13	15^th	257	94.2%
2023	90.69	14^th	243	94.2%
2024	89.20	22^nd	264	91.7%

See the entire list of Mississippi Middle School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Mississippi Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!

Enrollment information for Desoto Central Middle School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2000	667	107	2	5	0	n/a	n/a	781
2001	963	161	7	7	0	n/a	n/a	1138
2002	663	87	3	10	1	n/a	n/a	764
2003	663	87	3	10	1	n/a	n/a	764
2004	681	78	10	10	2	n/a	n/a	781
2005	779	119	13	10	3	n/a	n/a	924
2006	822	174	19	12	1	n/a	n/a	1028
2007	828	203	16	11	2	n/a	n/a	1060
2008	839	244	27	21	2	n/a	n/a	1133
2009	860	261	29	28	3	0	0	1181
2010	858	262	34	28	3	0	0	1185
2011	832	274	36	33	3	0	0	1178
2012	852	298	37	29	2	0	0	1218
2013	832	315	47	33	2	0	2	1231
2014	825	319	46	25	2	0	1	1218
2015	790	337	42	28	1	0	6	1204
2016	785	360	57	24	2	1	15	1244
2017	775	413	43	39	2	1	21	1294
2018	770	445	49	36	3	0	44	1347
2019	729	476	42	45	4	0	49	1345
2020	693	544	52	46	3	0	76	1414
2021	664	565	55	43	3	0	89	1419
2022	659	628	59	59	1	0	119	1525
2023	559	638	52	54	1	0	164	1468
2024	470	651	56	58	1	2	169	1407

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Desoto Central Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	781	41.7	18.7	27
2001	1138	52.6	21.6	28
2002	764	42.0	18.2	28.7
2003	764	42.0	18.2	28.7
2004	781	38.9	20.1	11.1
2005	924	54.4	17.0	13
2006	1028	64.5	15.9	41.3
2007	1060	63.6	16.7	18
2008	1133	65.2	17.4	17.6
2009	1181	69.6	17.0	21.1
2010	1185	70.7	16.7	26.6
2011	1178	63.1	18.6	23
2012	1218	61.0	19.9	29.7
2013	1231	66.4	18.5	22.9
2014	1218	67.4	18.0	26.4
2015	1204	66.0	18.2	28.3
2016	1244	68.0	18.2	29.8
2017	1294	72.1	17.9	32.1
2018	1347	76.3	17.6	32.9
2019	1345	76.7	17.5	35.1
2020	1414	78.5	18.0	37.6
2021	1419	81.7	17.3	99.8
2022	1525	89.4	17.0	99.8
2023	1468	77.1	19.0	99.8
2024	1407	80.1	17.5	37.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Desoto Central Middle School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2000	781	41.7	18.7	27
2001	1138	52.6	21.6	28
2002	764	42.0	18.2	28.7
2003	764	42.0	18.2	28.7
2004	781	38.9	20.1	11.1
2005	924	54.4	17.0	13
2006	1028	64.5	15.9	41.3
2007	1060	63.6	16.7	18
2008	1133	65.2	17.4	17.6
2009	1181	69.6	17.0	21.1
2010	1185	70.7	16.7	26.6
2011	1178	63.1	18.6	23
2012	1218	61.0	19.9	29.7
2013	1231	66.4	18.5	22.9
2014	1218	67.4	18.0	26.4
2015	1204	66.0	18.2	28.3
2016	1244	68.0	18.2	29.8
2017	1294	72.1	17.9	32.1
2018	1347	76.3	17.6	32.9
2019	1345	76.7	17.5	35.1
2020	1414	78.5	18.0	37.6
2021	1419	81.7	17.3	99.8
2022	1525	89.4	17.0	99.8
2023	1468	77.1	19.0	99.8
2024	1407	80.1	17.5	37.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Desoto Central Middle School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2017	$5,854
2018	$6,328
2019	$6,357
2020	$7,157
2021	$6,409
2022	$8,176

Data source: Mississippi Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Desoto Central Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 8^th of 264 Middle schools	Ranks 14^th of 243 Middle schools	2.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto Central Middle School)	56.1	51.9	4.2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto County School District)	39.8	45	5.2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	33.6	40.3	6.7%
6th Grade Mathematics (Desoto Central Middle School)	78.9	70.3	8.6%
6th Grade Mathematics (Desoto County School District)	64.4	53.2	11.2%
6th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	47.6	45.5	2.1%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto Central Middle School)	55.7	58	2.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto County School District)	45.8	44.1	1.7%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	39	40.2	1.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Desoto Central Middle School)	74.7	80.4	5.7%
7th Grade Mathematics (Desoto County School District)	69	69.6	0.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	51.1	55.6	4.5%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto Central Middle School)	54.9	60.1	5.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Desoto County School District)	44.3	47.4	3.1%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Mississippi)	35.5	40.5	5%
8th Grade Mathematics (Desoto Central Middle School)	68.5	72.8	4.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Desoto County School District)	63.5	61.7	1.8%
8th Grade Mathematics (Mississippi)	44.8	46.1	1.3%
8th Grade Science (Desoto Central Middle School)	67.9	71.5	3.6%
8th Grade Science (Desoto County School District)	63.3	60.9	2.4%
8th Grade Science (Mississippi)	52.7	53.3	0.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1345	1468	9.1%
African American	476	638	34%
American Indian	4	1	75%
Asian	42	52	23.8%
Hispanic	45	54	20%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	729	559	23.3%
Two or More Races	49	164	234.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	35.1%	99.8%	64.7%

Schools Near Desoto Central Middle School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAAP English Language Arts (2024)				MAAP Mathematics (2024)				MAAP Science (2024)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MAAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MAAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAAP Science 5th Grade	MAAP Science 8th Grade	Total
Desoto Central Middle School	Public	6-8	2611 Central Parkway	Southaven	38671	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 349-6660	1,407	80	17.5	37.2%	470 (33.4%)	651 (46.3%)	58 (4.1%)	56 (4.0%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	169 (12.0%)	89.2	22^nd of 264 public middle schools	91.7%		90.7	14^th of 243 public middle schools	94.2%	8		50.8	59.1	62.3		75.0	79.7	76.1		73.7	$8,176
Southaven Middle School	Public	6-8	899 Rasco Road	Southaven	38671	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 280-0422	1,451	91	15.9	70.2%	240 (16.5%)	872 (60.1%)	149 (10.3%)	17 (1.2%)	2 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	169 (11.6%)	22.4	206^th of 264 public middle schools	22.0%		22.7	187^th of 243 public middle schools	23.0%	19		25.4	28.8	25.9		30.2	43.1	27.2		45.2	$8,651
Horn Lake Middle School	Public	6-8	6125 Hurt Road	Horn Lake	38637	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 393-7443	993	70	14.1	78.7%	129 (13.0%)	710 (71.5%)	76 (7.7%)	5 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.3%)	70 (7.0%)	31	182^nd of 264 public middle schools	31.1%		33.6	157^th of 243 public middle schools	35.4%	25		28.4	27.1	29.0		35.5	43.9	51.1		47.3	$9,195
Olive Branch Middle	Public	6-8	6530 S. Blocker Street	Olive Branch	38654	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 895-4610	714	48	15.0	60.8%	209 (29.3%)	381 (53.4%)	32 (4.5%)	10 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	82 (11.5%)	56.7	113^th of 264 public middle schools	57.2%		64.9	82^nd of 243 public middle schools	66.3%	31		34.9	43.7	39.1		42.5	65.0	61.0		57.8	$10,308
Hernando Middle School	Public	6-8	700 Dilworth Lane	Hernando	38632	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 429-4154	1,147	67	17.2	24.6%	846 (73.8%)	139 (12.1%)	45 (3.9%)	13 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	103 (9.0%)	93.8	7^th of 264 public middle schools	97.3%		96.3	3^rd of 243 public middle schools	98.8%	4		66.1	66.2	59.7		79.5	87.3	85.1		73.8	$8,350
Lewisburg Middle	Public	6-8	2605 Hwy. 305 South	Hernando	38632	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 892-5050	1,005	55	18.1	16.5%	771 (76.7%)	109 (10.8%)	34 (3.4%)	17 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.2%)	72 (7.2%)	95.8	4^th of 264 public middle schools	98.5%		96.7	2^nd of 243 public middle schools	99.2%	2		64.0	64.8	64.1		84.3	93.6	85.0		80.3	$8,768
Center Hill Middle	Public	6-8	8756 Forest Hill Irene	Olive Branch	38654	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	No	(662) 892-6800	768	45	17.0	41.5%	280 (36.5%)	357 (46.5%)	41 (5.3%)	19 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	71 (9.2%)	84.9	30^th of 264 public middle schools	88.6%		84	31^st of 243 public middle schools	87.2%	1		57.6	50.2	54.0		71.2	68.8	78.7		72.1	$9,351
Lake Cormorant Middle	Public	6-8	3203 Wilson Mill Road	Lake Cormorant	38641	DeSoto County	Desoto County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 781-0778	712	49	14.4	73.7%	239 (33.6%)	338 (47.5%)	67 (9.4%)	4 (0.6%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	62 (8.7%)	49.4	134^th of 264 public middle schools	49.2%		51.4	110^th of 243 public middle schools	54.7%	24		35.5	40.1	32.3		50.5	66.7	49.4		49.5	$9,839
Byhalia Middle School (5-8)	Public	5-8	172 Highway 309 North	Byhalia	38611	Marshall County	Marshall County School District	No	No	No	Yes	(662) 838-2591	419	27	15.4	100.0%	99 (23.6%)	181 (43.2%)	105 (25.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (8.1%)	25.9	195^th of 264 public middle schools	26.1%		28.9	166^th of 243 public middle schools	31.7%	29	34.4	27.1	20.4	38.0	31.2	27.9	31.7	41.3	55.9	50.0	$8,420

Frequently Asked Questions about Desoto Central Middle School

What high school do graduates of Desoto Central Middle School attend?

Students who attend Desoto Central Middle School usually go on to attend Desoto Central High School

How many students attend Desoto Central Middle School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,407 students attended Desoto Central Middle School.

What is the racial makeup of Desoto Central Middle School?

Students at Desoto Central Middle School are 46% African American, 33% White, 12% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic, 4% Asian.

What district is Desoto Central Middle School in?

Desoto County School District

Is Desoto Central Middle School a good school?

Yes. Desoto Central Middle School ranks in the top 8.3% of Mississippi middle schools.

Rate Desoto Central Middle School!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mississippi Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.