Horizon Christian Joined IHSAA as Provisional Member

The school began a three-year transition process to join the statewide athletic association in August 2026.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Homeschooling

Horizon Christian Joined IHSAA as Provisional Member

Live Poll

Should private schools join state athletic associations to provide more competitive platforms for their students?

In August 2026, Horizon Christian was officially approved as a provisional member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association. The school currently operates on a 98-acre campus on Indian Lake Road and previously competed within the Indiana Association of Christian Schools.

Why it matters

The move aims to provide students with a broader competitive platform and prevent enrollment losses to other institutions for IHSAA participation reasons. By joining the association, the school seeks to showcase student athletic abilities within a larger state framework.

Horizon Christian, which launched its athletics program in 1999, maintains a 98-acre campus and currently oversees 63 total soccer players. The school must complete a mandatory three-year transitional period to earn full IHSAA membership.

The players

Horizon Christian

A private school located on Indian Lake Road that maintains a 98-acre campus.

Indiana High School Athletic Association

The governing body for secondary school athletics in Indiana that currently oversees 400 member schools.

Indiana Association of Christian Schools

The athletic organization where Horizon Christian previously held membership.

The details

Horizon Christian applied for membership in May 2026 to transition away from the Indiana Association of Christian Schools. The athletic department is currently working to restore its baseball program and establish a wrestling team while continuing to compete under the ICSAA umbrella during the transition.

The athletics program at Horizon Christian launched in 1999.
The Lions secured the ICSAA state soccer championship in October 2025.
The school submitted its application to the IHSAA in May 2026.
The IHSAA approved the school as a provisional member in August 2026.
The school is scheduled to host a state cross country championship on October 10, 2026.

Roadmap

The school's transition follows the structural requirements and eligibility guidelines mandated by the Indiana High School Athletic Association transfer and eligibility bylaws. This move aligns with broader trends of private institutions seeking integration into the statewide public-school athletic circuit to improve recruitment and program visibility.

Local families and athletes can expect changes to school sports scheduling as the department works to restore baseball and add wrestling. The membership also solidifies the school's ability to provide homeschooled students with consistent access to IHSAA-sanctioned athletics.

The takeaway

The transition to the IHSAA marks a significant shift in how the school manages its competitive sports offerings. Students and families should watch for upcoming changes in program availability as the school expands its athletic roster over the next three years.