Alliance Academy proposes changes for GHSA athletic participation regulations

Forsyth County Schools is set to implement significant changes for students at the Alliance Academy for Innovation, allowing them to participate in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) sanctioned sports and events at their base schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This decision comes after a review of the current policies and aims to enhance athletic participation for students enrolled in specialty schools.

During the Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2025, officials discussed the new proposal, which will enable students at Alliance to engage in extracurricular activities that are not offered at their school, specifically literary and eSports. However, students must choose between participating in these activities at Alliance or competing in other sports at their base school, as GHSA regulations stipulate that students can only be eligible for one school at a time.

Dr. Lowe, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding these changes. He noted that students and parents must reach out to their base school's athletic director if they wish to participate in sports not available at Alliance. Additionally, students will be responsible for their own transportation to practices or games that fall outside of regular bus schedules.

The proposal also includes a commitment to ensure that all students meet eligibility requirements and adhere to attendance and behavior standards, mirroring expectations for athletes at traditional schools. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and pride among students while expanding their opportunities for athletic involvement.

As the school year approaches, the Board will finalize the details of this proposal, which is expected to enhance the educational experience for students at Alliance Academy.