Desoto Elementary School

Desoto Elementary School is a small, high-poverty elementary school (PK-5) in Tampa, FL, serving 180 students as part of the Hillsborough district, and has achieved a remarkable turnaround from a 1-star rating to a 3-star rating over the past decade.

The most standout feature of Desoto is its exceptional math performance in the early grades, which far exceeds expectations for a school with 73-78% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. In 2025-2026, 3rd graders scored 93% proficient in math and 4th graders scored 92% proficient—both the highest among nearby schools, including high-performing Gorrie Elementary (83% and 88%) and Rampello K-8 Magnet School (84% and 80%). This "Desoto Math Advantage" is consistent over multiple years and suggests a highly effective, targeted math curriculum in kindergarten through 4th grade. However, a "5th grade cliff" appears, with math proficiency dropping to 57% and science to 48%, both below district and state averages, indicating a need to strengthen upper-grade instruction. The school also invests heavily in students, spending $21,515 per student—nearly double that of Gorrie ($11,547)—and maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 10.8:1, which likely supports this success.

Despite these strengths, chronic absenteeism remains a persistent challenge at 29.3%, though it has improved from a high of 40.2% and is lower than peers like Oak Park Elementary (53.1%) and Washington Elementary (59.6%). Desoto's upward trajectory—from the 9th percentile in 2016 to the 51st percentile in 2026—is a testament to its internal practices, as it outperforms all non-magnet schools in the area and competes with magnet schools like Lomax Magnet Elementary and Shore Elementary Magnet School. For parents, Desoto offers a unique blend of intensive support and proven results in math, though addressing absenteeism and upper-grade performance will be key to unlocking even greater potential.