Bokara Acres is a community located in Southeast Arcadia, FL, within the 34266 ZIP code. Arcadia is a small city in DeSoto County, Florida, and the schools serving this area are primarily part of the DeSoto County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the available schools near Bokara Acres, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and criteria (e.g., test scores, student progress, or parent reviews), and they are subject to change. I’ll also include approximate distances from Bokara Acres, assuming it is near the general Southeast Arcadia area.
Overview of DeSoto County School District
The DeSoto County School District serves the Arcadia area, including Bokara Acres. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as alternative and charter options. Arcadia is a rural community, so school options may be limited compared to larger urban areas, and some schools serve a wide geographic area.
Schools Near Bokara Acres, Southeast Arcadia, FL (ZIP 34266)
Elementary Schools
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Memorial Elementary School
- Address: 851 E Hickory St, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: 2-3 miles (depending on exact location in Southeast Arcadia)
- Grade Levels: PreK-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: Memorial Elementary serves a diverse student population in Arcadia. It focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. Parent reviews often mention the small-town feel and dedicated teachers, though test scores are below the state average.
- Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students
- Contact: (863) 494-0755
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West Elementary School
- Address: 304 W Imogene St, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: 3-4 miles
- Grade Levels: PreK-5
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 5/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: West Elementary is another option for families in the Arcadia area. It offers programs like after-school care and focuses on improving student achievement in core subjects. Like other schools in the district, it serves a rural population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Enrollment: Approximately 400-500 students
- Contact: (863) 993-4003
Middle Schools
- DeSoto Middle School
- Address: 420 E Gibson St, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 3/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: DeSoto Middle School is the primary middle school serving the Arcadia area. It offers extracurricular activities like sports and clubs, but academic performance is below the state average based on standardized test scores.
- Enrollment: Approximately 900-1,000 students
- Contact: (863) 494-4133
High Schools
- DeSoto County High School
- Address: 1710 E Gibson St, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: 1-2 miles
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10
- Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: DeSoto County High School is the main public high school for Arcadia residents. It offers a range of programs, including career and technical education (CTE), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and sports. Graduation rates are close to the state average, but test scores lag behind.
- Enrollment: : Approximately 1,000-1,100 students
- Contact: (863) 494-4216
Alternative/Charter Schools
- DeSoto Alternative Program
- Address: Located within DeSoto County School District facilities (specific location varies)
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: Varies
- Grade Levels: Varies (K-12, depending on program)
- Rating: Not widely rated due to its specialized nature
- Details: This program serves students who need alternative education settings due to behavioral, academic, or other challenges. It’s not a traditional school, so ratings are not typically available.
- Contact: Contact the DeSoto County School District for more information at (863) 494-4222.
Additional Notes on School Ratings
- GreatSchools.org Ratings: These are based on a 1-10 scale, factoring in test scores, student progress, and sometimes equity data. Ratings for DeSoto County schools tend to be below average compared to state and national benchmarks, reflecting challenges in rural districts with limited resources and higher poverty rates.
- Florida Department of Education Grades: Schools are graded A-F based on student achievement, learning gains, and graduation rates (for high schools). Most schools in DeSoto County receive a "C," indicating average performance.
- Community Context: Arcadia is a rural area with a significant agricultural economy, and many students come from low-income households. This can impact school performance and resources.
Private School Options
There are limited private school options directly in Arcadia, but a few exist nearby:
1. First Assembly Christian Academy
- Address: 1350 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Approximate Distance from Bokara Acres: 2-3 miles
- Grade Levels: K-12
- Rating: Not widely rated; small private schools often lack public data
- Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Enrollment is small, and tuition costs apply.
- Contact: (863) 993-1500
For more private or charter options, families may need to look in nearby cities like Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte (approximately 20-30 miles away), though commuting may not be practical for daily schooling.
School District Contact Information
- DeSoto County School District
- Address: 530 LaSolona Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266
- Phone: (863) 494-4222
- Website: www.desotoschools.com
- Families can contact the district for zoning information, bus routes, and enrollment details specific to Bokara Acres.
Additional Considerations
- Transportation: Since Bokara Acres is in a rural part of Southeast Arcadia, school bus services are available through the DeSoto County School District. Confirm eligibility and routes with the district.
- After-School Programs: Some schools offer after-school care or extracurricular activities, but options may be limited compared to urban areas.
- Community Feedback: Local parent reviews (available on platforms like GreatSchools or Niche) often highlight the close-knit community and supportive teachers in DeSoto County schools, though concerns about funding and academic performance are common.
If you have a specific address within Bokara Acres, I can refine the distance estimates or check zoning for exact school assignments. Additionally, if you’re looking for more detailed or updated ratings, I recommend visiting the Florida Department of Education website (fldoe.org) or contacting the schools directly. Let me know if you’d like information on specific programs, preschools, or other educational resources in the area!