Kindergarten Registration


Viktor likes to stop in sometimes and surprise our little Vikes.

Kindergarten Registration

Niles Community Schools is focused on addressing the needs of all learners by offering kindergarten and kinder-connections to allow children to start their school career with the most positive experiences.  Kindergarten programs are offered at Ballard Elementary School, Howard-Ellis Elementary, and Eastside Connections School.

Berrien County Health Dept. Free Hearing and Vision Screening Clinic Dates
To be eligible for KINDERGARTEN, children must:

  • Be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2024
  • Have an official birth certificate
  • Have vision and hearing screening
  • Have proof of residence
  • Have updated immunizations

Online Enrollment Packet:  forms that are needed in order to enroll your student are in the electronic enrollment packet.  Please complete All and sign All forms before submitting them. On the enrollment form, complete only the sections that pertain to your student. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE EMERGENCY CONTACT.

If you do not have access to the internet, kindergarten registration packets can be picked up at the Niles Administration Center located at 2120 20th Place, Niles, MI, Monday - Friday 7:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. or you may request the packet be mailed to you by calling 269-683-0732.


Kindergarten Screening

Niles Community Schools screens all incoming kindergarteners during the month of August.  Families sign up for screening when they register their kindergartener.  If a family registers online a staff member will call to set up their screening appointment.  Kindergarten screening allows Niles Schools to address the needs of all learners.  Our goal is for all children to start their school career with the most positive experience we can provide.

Niles Community Schools has created a kindergarten screening assessment to align to the Michigan Core Standards and to assess a child's progress with several different skills throughout the kindergarten school year.  This screener was developed using the research based early literacy assessments.  There are 15 different skills assessed as part of this screener.  Some of the skills will be auditory while others will be written by the child.

Kindergarten Screening Frequently Asked Questions.

Kinder Connections

Kinder Connections is a readiness program that is held at Ballard Elementary School.  It is not an accelerated preschool or a slowed down kindergarten program.  The curriculum is a blend of preschool and kindergarten standards specifically designed to prepare your child for his/her school career.  Our goal is to get KC learners proficient in first quarter kindergarten skills by the end of the program year.  All KC learners will attend regular kindergarten the following year.  Niles Kinder Connections prepares all children to learn and achieve at their developmentally appropriate level.  We have smaller class sizes and an Instructional Assistant in each class.  With high expectations, children will develop their social, emotional, fine/gross motor and academic skills through exploration and play-based learning.



Can I choose Kinder Connections for my kindergarten child?

Learners are placed in the Kinder Connections program based on the district kindergarten screening.


Ballard Elementary School
Principal: Jennifer Shabazz
Assistant Principal: Keera Morton-Hayes

We at Ballard strive to make kindergarten an exciting experience for all children.  We want them to feel welcomed at school, excited to learn, and feel part of our Niles Community of learners.  Our Positive Behavior program and supports allows students to learn how to work cooperatively with one another and how to be positive, active citizens within our building.
To learn more about Ballard Elementary School click here to visit their building webpage.




Howard-Ellis Elementary School
Principal:Donna Roark
Assistant Principal: Heather Loos


Dedicated and enthusiastic teachers deliver high quality instruction focusing on individual needs to help every child reach their fullest potential.  Our kindergarteners are taught the Viking behavior expectations: to be respectful, responsible, and resilient.  Character building skills are learned through Kelso's Choices and Second Steps, our social emotional learning programs.  Howard-Ellis uses the family and community as a support to focus on the whole child for each of our students.
To learn more about Howard-Ellis Elementary School click here to visit their building webpage.




Eastside Connections School
Principal: Joe Racht

Eastside Connections School is excited to offer a learning environment filled with hands-on project and problem based learning.  A place where imagination and curiosity serve as the fuel for meaningful exploration and rich learning.
To learn more about Eastside Connections Schools click here to visit their building webpage.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.