Local Schools Near Desota Acres, Sarasota, 34234

Desoto Acres is a community located in Sarasota, Florida, with the ZIP code 34234. This area is part of Sarasota County, and there are several schools in the vicinity that serve families living in or near Desoto Acres. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools closest to this community, including public and private options, along with their ratings based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which rates schools on a scale of 1-10 based on test scores, student progress, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment. I’ll also include approximate distances from Desoto Acres (based on general location data) and links to official resources where possible.

Public Schools Near Desoto Acres, Sarasota, FL 34234

Public schools in this area are managed by the Sarasota County School District. Here are the schools zoned for or near Desoto Acres, based on proximity and district zoning maps (you can confirm exact zoning with the Sarasota County School District at www.sarasotacountyschools.net):

1. Emma E. Booker Elementary School

   • Address: 2350 Dr Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. Test scores are below the state average, but the school offers various support programs. Check the school’s website or Sarasota County Schools for more on performance and programs.
   • Contact: (941) 361-6480

2. Booker Middle School

   • Address: 2250 Myrtle St, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Booker Middle offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including arts-focused initiatives due to its connection with the Booker campus. Test scores are slightly below average, but student progress metrics show improvement in some areas.
   • Contact: (941) 359-5824

3. Booker High School

   • Address: 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
   • Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Known for its Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program, Booker High provides strong opportunities in arts alongside standard academics. Graduation rates are near the state average, though test scores vary by subject.
   • Contact: (941) 355-2967

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther but Still Accessible)

   If families are open to schools a bit farther from Desoto Acres, or if zoning allows for school choice, here are additional options within a 5-7 mile radius:

4. Gocio Elementary School

   • Address: 3450 Gocio Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: A moderately rated elementary school with a focus on student growth. Test scores are near the state average in some areas.
   • Contact: (941) 361-6405

5. McIntosh Middle School

   • Address: 7016 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: This middle school has better-than-average test scores for the district and offers various extracurriculars.
   • Contact: (941) 361-6520

6. Riverview High School

   • Address: 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
   • Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Overview: Riverview is one of the higher-rated high schools in the area, with strong academic programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB), and good graduation rates.
   • Contact: (941) 923-1484

   Private Schools Near Desoto Acres, Sarasota, FL 34234

   For families considering private education, there are several options within a reasonable distance of Desoto Acres. Private school ratings are less standardized but I’ve included general feedback or reputation where available.

7. The Classical Academy of Sarasota

   • Address: 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; generally well-regarded for classical education approach
   • Overview: This school emphasizes a classical curriculum with a focus on logic, rhetoric, and traditional subjects. Tuition and enrollment details are available on their website (www.tcasarasota.com).
   • Contact: (941) 315-8552

8. Sarasota Christian School

   • Address: 5415 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; known for strong community and faith-based education
   • Overview: A faith-based school offering a comprehensive curriculum with a Christian worldview. They have a reputation for small class sizes and personalized attention. More info at www.sarasotachristian.org.
   • Contact: (941) 371-6481

9. Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

   • Address: 4171 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Acres
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools; respected for academics and athletics
   • Overview: A Catholic high school with a focus on college preparation and spiritual development. Known for competitive sports programs. Visit www.cmhs-sarasota.org for details.
   • Contact: (941) 371-4917

   Charter Schools Near Desoto Acres

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with unique educational focuses. Here are a couple near Desoto Acres:

10. Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences

    • Address: 645 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Desoto Acres
    • Grade Levels: 6-8
    • Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org)
    • Overview: A charter middle school with a focus on arts and sciences, offering a creative and rigorous curriculum. Admission may require an application or lottery.
    • Contact: (941) 330-1855

11. Sarasota Military Academy

    • Address: 801 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Prep Campus); 3101 Bethel Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240 (High School Campus)
    • Distance: Approximately 3-6 miles from Desoto Acres (depending on campus)
    • Grade Levels: 6-12
    • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org for Prep); 5/10 for High School
    • Overview: A military-style charter school emphasizing leadership and discipline alongside academics. Open enrollment with an application process. More at www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.org.
    • Contact: (941) 877-7737

    Additional Notes and Resources

    • School Zoning: The schools listed as “zoned” for Desoto Acres (like Emma E. Booker, Booker Middle, and Booker High) are based on general proximity and ZIP code data. Sarasota County allows some school choice options, so families may apply to schools outside their immediate zone under certain conditions. Use the district’s school locator tool at www.sarasotacountyschools.net to confirm zoning for a specific address.
    • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture, teacher quality