US EditionAHSAA Splits Public and Private Schools From Playing, Full Region Breakdown
AHSAA will create separate postseason championships for public and private schools with eight total classifications, removing competitive-balance multipliers for private schools, starting in 2026.
- The Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board approved a restructure on Jan. 23, 2026, creating six public and two private classifications for 2026-27 and 2027-28, passing 13-2.
- Facing disputes about the multiplier and $7,000 t eligibility payment, the AHSAA Central Board of Control initiated a restructure after mediation over the 2024 CHOOSE Act.
- AHSAA officials set specific class sizes including Private Single A , Private Double A , Class 6A , and girls' flag football expanding to three public divisions and one private division.
- Private-School leaders warn the restructure raises travel costs and shrinks local scheduling, with Montgomery Catholic citing fewer local games; Gov. Will Ainsworth expressed disappointment, and board members Terry Curtis and Jerome Woods voted no.
- In a historical shift, the vote represents the first time in AHSAA's 104-year history that all members won't compete for the same championships; Heath Harmon, AHSAA Executive Director, will hold a press conference and stream the updated reclassification from Montgomery.
23 Articles
23 Articles
All Escambia County, Alabama, High Schools Now In 3A Football Classification : NorthEscambia.com
Every high school in Escambia County, Alabama, will be in the same classification beginning with the 2026 season for fall sports. The Alabama High School Athletic Association on Friday gave final approval to new classifications, including splitting public and private schools into different classes. Public schools will be Class 1A to 6A, and private schools will [...]
AHSAA reclassifies public school, private school championships
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, speaks at a press conference promoting a package of law enforcement bills at the Alabama State Capitol on Feb. 12, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (right) and Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, listen in the background. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)The Alabama High School Athletic Association announced Friday that it is restructuring the classif…
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