The IHSA made multiple changes to their Classification Policy earlier this week at their monthly board meeting. One of those changes is a new fixed classification cutoff system. The new classifications are below:
The four-class sports are some of the most followed sports in the IHSA. Multiple area and region schools have been affected by the new classification cutoff.
In 1A, Carlyle and Eldorado are dropping from 2A. The Carlyle Indians have a 2025-26 enrollment of 279 while the Eldorado Eagles are right on the edge of 1A’s cutoff with an enrollment of 298.
The Herrin Tigers return to 2A after a few years of accepting they would remain in 3A forevermore. The Tigers boast an enrollment of 639 students headed in to the 2025-26 school year.
Other region schools dropping from 3A to 2A include Richland County and Freeburg. Richland County has 668 students while Freeburg will be one of the bigger schools in 2A with 689 students.
Also notable, Carterville’s growth continues. They have jumped up to an enrollment of 668 students. Just two years ago, they boasted an enrollment of 633.
