The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has completed its reclassification and region alignment process for the 2026-28 cycle, returning to a seven-classification system. This change will take effect in August, impacting all three high schools within the Jackson County School System.
Under the new structure, Class A, which was previously split into Division I and Division II, will become two separate classifications. As a result, current AA through AAAAA classifications will each move up one level. The largest classification in GHSA will again be AAAAAAA.
East Jackson High School and the upcoming Hoschton High School are set to compete in Region 8-AAAA starting with the 2026-27 school year. East Jackson currently competes in Region 8-AA, while Hoschton High is scheduled to open in August 2027. They will join Cherokee Bluff, East Hall, Monroe Area, Oconee County, and West Hall—schools that presently compete in Region 8-AAA—in their new region.
Jackson County High School will remain in its current region but under the new designation of Region 8-AAAAAA. The Panthers’ future region opponents include Apalachee, Clarke Central, Habersham Central, Loganville, Cedar Shoals, Gainesville, Mountain View, and Walnut Grove. Alcovy and Winder-Barrow—currently region rivals—will shift to different classifications next year.
Hoschton High School’s student body will be formed by splitting Jackson County’s enrollment when it opens in August 2027. Details about HHS’s mascot, logo, and colors are expected to be announced early that year before the school opens its doors. The new school will be located at Highway 332 and Boone Road in Hoschton.
“”
