Serving 858 students in grades 9-12, Desoto Sr. High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 858 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 60% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Desoto Sr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Desoto Sr. High School's student population of 858 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
858 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Desoto Sr. High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Desoto Sr. High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#232 out of 2076 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
2%
8%
Black
1%
15%
White
93%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desoto Sr. High School's ranking?
Desoto Sr. High School is ranked #232 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Desoto Sr. High School often compared to?
Desoto Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Festus Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Desoto Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of Desoto Sr. High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Desoto Sr. High School?
858 students attend Desoto Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Desoto Sr. High School students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Desoto Sr. High School?
Desoto Sr. High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Desoto Sr. High School offer ?
Desoto Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Desoto Sr. High School part of?
Desoto Sr. High School is part of Desoto 73 School District.
School Reviews
Review Desoto Sr. High 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 Public Schools 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.