Tuscaloosa Academy Accepts Invitation To Join AHSAA

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Academy Board of Trustees announced Thursday that the school has officially accepted an invitation to compete in the ranks of public school sports as a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

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The Tuscaloosa private school aims to begin competition during the 2022-23 school year.

"Tuscaloosa Academy has been a long-standing member of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) for over forty years, so the decision to make this move was not taken lightly,” Board President Reese Brooks said in a statement on Thursday. "Much like other AHSAA private schools, Tuscaloosa Academy will remain a member of the AISA for all other activities."

Tuscaloosa Academy says it will enter the AHSAA on a level field of competition with local schools, which will provide the opportunity to showcase the school's athletic and coaching talent.

It is unclear at this time which AHSAA classification Tuscaloosa Academy will compete in during its first year, although widespread speculation has placed the Knights in either Class 1A or 2A to begin its new era.

Private schools competing within the public school ranks is not uncommon practice in athletics, especially in Tuscaloosa, where both American Christian Academy and Holy Spirit Catholic School are participating members of the AHSAA.

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