Horizon Christian Joined IHSAA as Provisional Member
The school began a three-year transition that impacts how students, including homeschoolers, access sports.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Homeschooling
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In August 2026, Horizon Christian became a provisional member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association. This transition aims to provide a competitive platform for students on the school's 98-acre campus.
Why it matters
The shift helps Horizon Christian retain students who might otherwise transfer for access to IHSAA-sanctioned competition. It also expands opportunities for athletic participation, including for homeschooled students within the association's framework.
Horizon Christian is now one of 5 provisional members in the 400-school IHSAA league. The school must complete a mandatory 3-year transition period to earn full member status.
The players
Horizon Christian
A private school on a 98-acre campus that has managed an athletics program for 27 years.
Indiana High School Athletic Association
The state governing body overseeing athletic competition for 400 schools in Indiana.
The details
To gain full membership, the school must complete a three-year transitional period while continuing to compete under the Indiana Association of Christian Schools umbrella. During this time, the department plans to grow its programs, including establishing separate boys and girls soccer teams and restoring baseball and wrestling. The school, located on Indian Lake Road, already supports 63 total soccer players across junior high and high school levels.
Timeline
1999: Horizon Christian athletics program launched.
October 2025: The Lions won the ICSAA state soccer championship.
May 2026: Horizon Christian submitted its IHSAA application.
August 2026: The school was approved as an IHSAA provisional member.
October 10, 2026: The school hosts the state cross country championship.
The Home Front
This membership change follows the IHSAA policy that allows homeschooled students to participate in state-sanctioned athletics. It marks a broader trend of private institutions seeking broader competitive platforms to maintain student enrollment.
Families interested in athletics should check the school's updated sports calendar as it transitions its soccer program to boys and girls teams. Consider scheduling a campus visit to view the facilities on Indian Lake Road as the school expands its baseball and wrestling offerings.
The takeaway
Horizon Christian is moving toward full IHSAA membership to enhance competitive opportunities for all students, including those who are homeschooled. Families should monitor the school's website for future tryout dates as the athletic department adds baseball and wrestling.
What happens next
The school is scheduled to host the state cross country championship on October 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational opportunities on the Indiana homeschooling page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
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