For immediate release:
On November 19, 2022, the MPSSAA published its classification updates for the upcoming two year cycle, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year. There are four classifications within the MPSSAA: 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. These classifications are determined by school population from ninth-eleventh grades, as reported by each high school in Maryland. 1A has the smaller school populations, while 4A has the largest school populations.
These updates to classifications are regular, as they happen every two years. Most years there are not significant changes to classifications. A school may also remain within the same classification, but that school may change its region (moving from 4A East to 4A North for example). Over the past twenty years, there has been little shake up. However, the most recent classification updates, proposed and accepted last November, saw monumental shifts that truly redefine competition within the state. A few notable changes in track are:
-Severna Park to 3A
-Wooton to 3A
-Dulaney to 3A
-Reservoir to 4A
-Oakland Mills to 3A
“Yea, we certainly got a lot of pushback when we announced these changes. Again, keep in mind, these numbers are based on school population. This process is as objective as possible,” remarked Jeff Tolbar, Associate Director of the MPSSAA. “We want and hope competition is as fair as possible,” he continued.
Furthermore, many school districts are still redrawing boundary lines which will affect the size of schools and thus potential classification. Anne Arundel County recently published boundaries for schools at all levels beginning at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
With the proposed updates, certain regions are almost unrecognizable, as most regions have remained the same for quite some time.
“We do our best to publish this information early for schools and counties to be able to plan, but we realize now the dramatic shifts were too much at once. We have reconvened and discussed alternatives. History, rivalries, and integrity of competition are important.” stated Tolbar.
Updated classification changes will be published June 1, 2023 on the MPSSAA site.
Currently proposed 2023-2024 classification changes