The NCHSAA’s reclassification of North Carolina schools took another step forward this week.
For the first time, the state’s high schools will be divided into eight different classifications, based on enrollment, with the largest 32 schools placed in the top classification, and the rest divided up evenly with about 60 schools in each division.
The NCHSAA released its draft of the eight classifications last month.
Now, North Carolina schools get their first look at their potential conference placement. The NCHSAA released its first draft of conferences for the 2025-2029 period. Schools can still raise issues and provide feedback that may result in changes, but here’s a look at where area schools are slotted.
Stanly County:
North Stanly: Current Conference—1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference—1A/2A/3A Conference A
For the most part, the NCHSAA kept the gang together when it came to three of the four Stanly County Schools. North Stanly, South Stanly and Albemarle are together in the Yadkin, and, despite North getting bumped up to 3A, they’re staying together in the new three-classification conference.
South Stanly: Current Conference—1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference—1A/2A/3A Conference A
In addition to keeping the Stanly schools together, the NCHSAA also kept most of the Yadkin intact. Joining North, South and Albemarle in the Conference A are current Yadkin members Union Academy and Gray Stone Day.
Albemarle: Current Conference—1A/2A Yadkin Valley; New Conference—1A/2A/3A Conference A
The only changes to the current Yadkin that the new reclassification brings is the departure of Mount Pleasant and the addition of Bonnie Cone and North Rowan.
West Stanly: Current Conference—2A/3A Rocky River; New Conference—4A/5A Conference C
The Colts got bumped up from 2A to 4A. Like the other three Stanly schools and the current Yadkin Valley Conference, West Stanly and the Rocky River were left pretty much intact. Making the move to the new conference with West are current Rocky River members Anson, Monroe, Parkwood, Forest Hills and Central Academy. The only change is that Piedmont is gone, replaced by former Yadkin Valley member Mount Pleasant.