Several high schools could move into higher classifications in basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball beginning with the 2027-28 school year following changes approved by the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors.
The IHSA Board approved revised classification cutoffs during its meeting Monday in Bloomington. The changes are being announced a year in advance to give member schools time to prepare.
Under the new system, Class 1A will include schools with enrollments of up to 275 students. Class 2A will range from 275.01 to 600, Class 3A from 600.01 to 1,600, and Class 4A will include schools above 1,600.
The changes could affect several schools currently competing in Class 2A. Herrin, Carterville, Breese Central, Olney, Freeburg, Taylorville, Salem, Effingham and Rochester currently have enrollments above 600 students. If those enrollment levels remain similar next year, they could move to Class 3A in the affected sports.
The current Class 2A enrollment range extends from 301 to 700 students.
Lawrenceville, Sparta and Tuscola, which are currently Class 1A, could also move into Class 2A under the new cutoffs.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said one goal of revising the classification policy was to give schools a full year’s notice before changes take effect.
Anderson said the board also determined that differences of as few as 25 students can significantly affect the balance between classes. He noted that overall enrollment among IHSA member schools is declining, contributing to the decision to lower some classification thresholds.
The new cutoffs will take effect with the 2027-28 school year.