Public and private institutions of higher learning in Mississippi and Tennessee are within an easy commute. The system is a single consolidated entity governed by the County Superintendent and a five-member elected Board of Education. Hernando Middle School DeSoto County Schools have very high accreditation ratings from the Mississippi Department of Education and are also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The system has a strong administration, faculty and staff, a strong instructional program and well-rounded extracurricular activities. There are special education programs as well as gifted and AP programs.
Guidance counselors are available in all schools.
In high school, there are vocational and technical programs in nine occupational areas. Each of the high schools has an honors program that encourages and recognizes student achievement. Approximately 70 percent of system graduates attend colleges. Numerous scholarships and awards are given each year to DeSoto County students pursuing higher education. The DeSoto County Literacy Council offers basic education skills for youth and adults in reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as GED preparation through tutoring and small classes.