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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Niles Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 4,408 students in Niles, MI (there are 2 private schools, serving 159 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Niles, MI are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Michigan public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 46% statewide average). Schools in Niles have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Michigan public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public school average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Niles, MI (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Eastside Connections School
Magnet School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1 Tyler St
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:
8/
10
Top 30%
1450 Silverbrook Ave
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:
6/
10
Top 50%
2788 Mannix St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4633
Gr: K-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Brandywine Senior High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1700 Bell Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4800
Gr: 9-12 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Niles Senior High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1441 Eagle St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-2894
Gr: 9-12 | 828 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Ballard Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1601 W Chicago Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-5900
Gr: PK-5 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #77.
Brandywine Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2428 S 13th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-8574
Gr: 3-6 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #88.
Ring Lardner Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
801 N 17th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6610
Gr: 6-8 | 510 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #99.
Brandywine Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1700 Bell Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4800
Gr: 7-8 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1010.
Way Niles
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 633-0736
Gr: 6-12 | 95 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1111.
Niles Cedar Lane
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-9554
Gr: 9-12 | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
Merritt Elementary School
1620 Lasalle Ave
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6511
Gr: PK-2 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
Niles Comm Schools Adult Education
Alternative School
620 E Main St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-4480
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
Niles Virtual School
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-0736
Gr: K-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Northside Child Development Center
2020 N 5th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-1982
Gr: PK-K | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 16%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Niles, MI?
The top-ranked public schools in Niles, MI include Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Howardellis Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Niles?
16 public schools are located in Niles.
What percentage of students in Niles go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Niles are educated in public schools (compared to the MI state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Niles?
Niles public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public schools average of 37% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Niles are often viewed compared to one another?

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