For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,315 students in Niles, MI.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Niles, MI are Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Ring Lardner Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Niles, MI public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Michigan public middle school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Niles have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Michigan public middle school average of 42% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle 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.
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: #44.
Brandywine Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1700 Bell Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4800
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4800
Gr: 7-8 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
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
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 middle schools in Niles, MI?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Niles, MI include Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Ring Lardner Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Niles?
7 public middle schools are located in Niles.
What is the racial composition of students in Niles?
Niles public middle schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Michigan public middle schools average of 42% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.