For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 3,084 students in 49120, MI.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 49120, 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.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 49120 have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Michigan public elementary school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in 49120, MI have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Michigan public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary school average of 38% (majority Black).
Best 49120, MI Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Eastside Connections School
Magnet School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 682-2585
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 682-2585
Grades: K-8
| 430 students
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
Grades: 4-12
| 55 students
Rank: #33.
Howardellis Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2788 Mannix St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4633
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4633
Grades: K-5
| 598 students
Rank: #44.
Ballard Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 W Chicago Rd
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-5900
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-5900
Grades: PK-5
| 576 students
Rank: #55.
Brandywine Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2428 S 13th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-8574
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-8574
Grades: 3-6
| 376 students
Rank: #66.
Ring Lardner Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
801 N 17th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6610
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6610
Grades: 6-8
| 537 students
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
Grades: 6-12
| 108 students
Rank: #88.
Brandywine Innovation Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1830 S 3rd St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-8805
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-8805
Grades: 6-12
| 70 students
Rank: n/an/a
1620 Lasalle Ave
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6511
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6511
Grades: PK-2
| 320 students
49120, Michigan Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
315 North 14th St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-2585
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-2585
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
2740 Mannix St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4635
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-4635
Grades: K-1
| 189 students
1441 Eagle Street
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6031
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6031
Grades: 9-12
| 327 students
1 Tyler St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-7484
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-7484
Grades: 6-12
| 218 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 49120, MI?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 49120, MI include Eastside Connections School, Southside Special Educ School and Howardellis Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 49120?
10 public elementary schools are located in 49120.
What is the racial composition of students in 49120?
49120 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Michigan public elementary schools average of 38% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.