ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDNews) — A major change coming to the Alabama Independent School Association will directly affect at least one Wiregrass school.
The Alabama Independent School Association will stop administering interscholastic athletics after the 2026-27 school year, according to an announcement from AISA.
Abbeville Christian Academy currently competes in AISA athletics. Once AISA ends its athletic program, the school will need to select another athletic association beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
The Gulf States Independent Athletic Association, or GSIAA, could be a likely option for Abbeville Christian, although the school has not announced its future athletic affiliation.
AISA’s Board of Directors made the decision after more than a year of consideration and several months of discussions with leaders from member schools.
AISA stressed that the organization itself is not closing and athletics will continue as scheduled through the end of the 2026-27 school year.
“This announcement does not end our athletic programs immediately,” AISA said.
After the 2026-27 school year, individual schools will decide where their athletic programs compete. AISA said its decision does not require member schools to discontinue sports.
According to AISA, discussions about the future of independent school athletics have taken place for several years. Those conversations showed interest among schools competing in different athletic associations in creating another option.
GSIAA has established a governing board and is developing rules with input from schools currently competing across multiple athletic associations.
AISA said schools will not be required to join GSIAA.
“Each school will determine the best path for its students and community, subject to the membership requirements of its chosen association,” AISA said. “AISA does not require schools to join GSIAA or any other athletic organization.”
GSIAA plans to begin activities in June 2027 with a cheer camp as participating schools prepare for the 2027-28 athletic year.
AISA said ending its administration of athletics will allow the organization to focus resources on accreditation, professional development, advocacy and student academic and leadership programs.
The association said it has grown from about 50 schools to more than 100 during the past 15 years, largely because of its non-athletic services.
Schools may continue to be AISA members regardless of which athletic organization they choose.
Families at Abbeville Christian and other AISA schools are expected to receive more information from their individual schools as decisions about future athletic affiliations are made.
