For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,860 students in Niles, MI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Niles, MI are Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Howardellis Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Niles, MI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Niles have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Niles, MI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eastside Connections School
Magnet School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 682-2585
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 682-2585
Gr: K-8 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
Southside Special Educ School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1450 Silverbrook Ave
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-0421
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-0421
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Howardellis Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2788 Mannix St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4633
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4633
Gr: K-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Ballard Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 W Chicago Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-5900
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-5900
Gr: PK-5 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #55.
Brandywine Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2428 S 13th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-8574
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-8574
Gr: 3-6 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Ring Lardner Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
801 N 17th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6610
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6610
Gr: 6-8 | 510 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #77.
Way Niles
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 633-0736
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 633-0736
Gr: 6-12 | 95 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
1620 Lasalle Ave
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6511
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6511
Gr: PK-2 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-0736
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-0736
Gr: K-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Niles, MI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Niles, MI include Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Howardellis Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Niles?
10 public elementary schools are located in Niles.
What is the racial composition of students in Niles?
Niles public elementary schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Niles are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Niles include: Brandywine Elementary School vs. Ballard Elementary School, Merritt Elementary School vs. Ballard Elementary School, Eastside Connections School vs. Ballard Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.