Belleville's public education system began in the mid-19th century with a $5,000 appropriation to build a school that later came to be known as The Academy. Over the next 75 years, nearly a dozen more schools were built, and today, the district comprises about 4,500 students in grades kindergarten through 12. The district's operations are overseen by a seven-member elected board, which holds public meetings throughout the year at Belleville High School, home of the offices of the Belleville Board of Education.