Getting your “Little Vike” ready for kindergarten is an exciting milestone! To make the process smoother, here is a parent-friendly guide to registering your child at Niles Community Schools.

🎒 How to Register

You can complete the registration process entirely online or in person.

• Online: Complete the Electronic Enrollment Packet.
  • Note: Please ensure you provide at least one emergency contact and sign all forms before submitting.
• In Person: If you don’t have internet access, visit any elementary building or the Administration Center to use our kiosk (2120 20th Place, Niles, MI).
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

📋 Registration Checklist

To be eligible for the 2026-2027 school year, your child needs:

• Age: To be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026 (or by December 1, 2026, with a waiver).
• Documents: Official birth certificate, proof of residence, Immunization Records, and parent photo ID.
• Health: Updated immunizations and vision, hearing, and dental screenings.
  • Required: A Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment form must be submitted with your enrollment.

🔍 Kindergarten Screening

Every incoming student participates in a screening to help us understand their unique needs.

1. Register First: Complete the enrollment packet above.
2. Sign Up: After your packet is received, you will get an email from centralofficeregistry@nilesschools.org with a link to schedule your child’s screening.
3. What to Expect: Teachers will assess 15 basic auditory and written skills to ensure your child starts school with the best possible support.

🏫 Special Program: Kinder Connections

Held at Ballard Elementary School, Kinder Connections (KC) is a “readiness” program.

• What it is: A blend of preschool and kindergarten standards designed for children who benefit from a little extra preparation before starting regular kindergarten the following year.
• Benefits: Smaller class sizes, an Instructional Assistant in every room, and a focus on play-based learning.
• Placement: Children are placed in this program based on their results from the district kindergarten screening.

📍 Our Elementary Schools

• Ballard Elementary: Focuses on cooperative work and a positive behavior program.
• Howard-Ellis Elementary: Teaches “Viking Expectations” (Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient) using social-emotional learning programs.
• Eastside Connections School: Offers hands-on, project-based learning.
  • Note: If applying here, you must also complete the Eastside Connections Expectation Form.

Community Resources:

If your child is not current with their vaccinations, you can contact the Berrien County Health Department to locate an immunization clinic at: 269-926-7121

Berrien County Health Dept – FREE hearing, vision, and dental testing for Preschool and Kindergarten.  Free hearing and vision testing is available from June through August by appointment only. To schedule an appointment visit the Berrien County Health Department 

For additional information about Kindergarten Readiness: Visit the Berrien County Health Department Website