District research record · NCES 1200420
DeSoto County School District
Official local source reviewed. This page separates confirmed evidence from details families still need to verify directly with the district.
What the evidence confirms
Gifted and Honors Space Academy
DeSoto County's Space Academy is a specialized gifted and honors program built around rigorous core academics, curiosity, creativity, exploration, character, and teamwork.
How services work: The official launch page documents grade 6 honors instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies at DeSoto Middle School. The reviewed page does not yet describe later-grade expansion.
How students are identified: Applicants submit academic data and recommendations. Criteria include gifted identification under Florida rules, Level 3 or higher FAST results or comparable benchmarks, consistent honor-roll performance, positive behavior, attendance, and demonstrated readiness; capacity is limited.
- Grades or coverage
- Middle school; grade 6 model documented
- Evidence level
- Official local source reviewed
- Source authority
- School district
- Last reviewed
- September 4, 2026
State context
Florida gifted education framework
Florida recognizes gifted students within exceptional student education and requires districts to document local eligibility and service procedures.
For families: District plans govern referral, evaluation, eligibility, and delivery, so families should confirm the local process.
Geographic relationships
County served
District boundaries can cross county lines. Each link opens the full county record and all serving districts.