The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has introduced new alignments for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, marking a significant shift by separating public and private schools into distinct classifications. Public schools will compete in six classifications, while private schools will have two. Hoover High School will now participate in Class 6A, joining a challenging Region 3 football schedule alongside several well-known rivals. Spain Park will also compete in Class 6A with similar rivalries and area alignments across various sports.

By the Numbers
  • Six classifications for public schools; two for private schools—this is a first for the AHSAA.
  • Hoover competes in Class 6A along with seven teams in Region 3, including Hewitt-Trussville and Vestavia Hills.
Yes, But

While separation may provide clearer lines for competition, there are concerns regarding the loss of crossover opportunities in championship events, where public and private schools previously faced each other.

State of Play
  • New alignments apply across fall, winter, and spring sports for the next two academic years.
  • AHSAA emphasizes collaboration with both public and private schools moving forward.
What's Next

Future developments may include adjustments to the classification system based on feedback from member schools and performance evaluations during this new cycle.

Bottom Line

The AHSAA's restructuring aims to better accommodate the landscape of high school athletics in Alabama, though it will require ongoing assessment and flexibility to meet the needs of both public and private institutions.