SCHSL Realignment Brings New Competitive Landscape for Laurens County Schools

High school athletics across South Carolina will look a little different beginning in the 2026–27 school year as the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) rolls out its latest realignment cycle. The league reviews school enrollments every two years to determine classifications and regional groupings, a process designed to keep competition fair and travel reasonable.

For Laurens County, the changes outline where three SCHSL member schools — Laurens District 55 High School, Clinton High School and Thornwell Charter School — will compete over the next two seasons. Laurens Academy, while not part of the SCHSL, will continue its own independent school athletic competition.

Laurens District 55 High School — Class 4A

Laurens District 55 High School will compete in Class 4A during the 2026–28 cycle. As the county’s largest high school, Laurens is grouped with other similarly sized schools, ensuring balanced matchups across sports.

From Friday night football to spring athletics, the Raiders will continue facing strong programs while working toward postseason opportunities within the 4A playoff structure.

Clinton High School — Class 2A

Clinton High School will play in Class 2A under the new alignment. The Red Devils have a long history of success and spirited competition in this classification, and the updated placement keeps Clinton competing against schools with comparable enrollment.

Local fans can still look forward to one of the county’s most anticipated annual traditions — the Clinton vs. Laurens rivalry — a matchup that remains a cornerstone of the local sports calendar regardless of classification.

Thornwell Charter School — Class A

Thornwell Charter School will compete in Class A, the SCHSL classification for smaller enrollment schools. This placement allows Thornwell student-athletes to compete against programs of similar size, promoting competitive balance and opportunities for growth across multiple sports.

The Thunderbirds continue to build their athletic programs while representing Laurens County in one of the state’s most closely contested small-school divisions.

Laurens Academy — SCISA Athletics

Laurens Academy is not a member of the SCHSL and instead competes through the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). The Crusaders field teams in a variety of sports and remain an important part of the local athletic landscape, drawing community support and maintaining their own set of rivalries and postseason competition.

What This Means for Local Sports

While classifications may shift, the heart of high school sports in Laurens County stays the same. Student-athletes will continue to represent their schools with pride, communities will rally behind their teams, and familiar rivalries will still bring fans to the stands.

Realignment simply sets the competitive framework — the excitement on the field, court and track will still be written by the athletes themselves.