Reclassification Numbers for Louisiana High Schools Unveiled for 2024-26 School Years

The Louisiana High School Association (LHSAA) has just released its enrollment figures for the upcoming 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, which is a precursor to the upcoming reclassification period.

Before the end of the year, the LHSAA will have all member schools classified for competition over the following two academic years.

But first, a lot of work has to be done.

What does the process look like for reclassification?

GeauxPreps.com does a nice job of breaking it all down. In a nutshell, it's a multi-step process.

First, schools submit their enrollment data in October. These are the numbers that serve as the foundation for determining classification and alignment over the next two years.

The inaugural classification meeting will then take place on November 2, 2023. At this meeting, school principals choosing to appeal where they've been placed will have the opportunity to present their cases before the classification committee. (Schools have until October 31 to submit petitions for their desired classification.)

At the first classification meeting, the committee will examine the division of schools, place schools that opt to play in higher classifications and divisions, and also hear appeals regarding classification matters.

Should a school elect to play up, they have until October 31 at noon to declare those intentions, because this will affect the classification process.

After that initial classification meeting, the LHSAA will unveil a proposed districting plan for member schools.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for November 13, giving schools an additional opportunity for appeals to be presented and heard. Following that, a final classification of schools will be adopted.

A general rundown of what it looks like after schools sent in their enrollment data.

The enrollment data of each LHSAA member school has been submitted and GeauxPreps.com has that full list posted here.

The school in the state with the largest enrollment in the state is Dutchtown with 2613 students. At the other end, Central-Jonesville has all of 26 total students.

Below is the breakdown of where schools fall in terms of total enrollment numbers:

5A: 1033 - 2613 students
4A: 608 - 1030 students
3A: 397 - 602 students
2A: 231 - 391 students
1A: 65 - 230 students
B: 111 - 228 students
C: 26 - 109 students

Of course, keep in mind that this is just the general thumbnail sketch of where things fall. Once the reclassification process is done, we will have a list of Select and Non-Select schools in addition to this overall list of 5A through C classification.

Any significant moves for Acadiana area schools?

As things sit with these initial enrollment numbers, the biggest move would be for Comeaux High School.

The southside Lafayette-based school will likely be making a move down to 4A from its long-time 5A spot. Its enrollment is currently at 926, over 100 students below the 5A threshold at this point.

Carencro would remain in 5A after barely making the cut in the last reclassification two years ago.

St Thomas More would remain one of the higher enrollment 4A schools with 1016 students, some 17 less than the smallest 5A school Neville (1033 students).

If you would like to see the memorandum sent out to all LHSAA member schools, including the current 2024-26 classification charts for all schools' sports, click here.