By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Reclassification to make Mustangs, Rebels region foes
Effingham County Board of Education

RINCON — South Effingham is set to move into a larger neighborhood.

According to the reclassification count recently released by the Georgia High School Association, South Effingham has 1,725 students. One hundred and two of them live in another school zone, pushing the Mustangs out of Class AAAAA into Class AAAAAA with the Effingham County Rebels. 

A multiplier is added to out-of-zone students, making South Effingham’s reclassification number 1,827. Fifty-six of Effingham County’s 1,820 students live outside its zone, boosting its reclassification number to 1,876.

On the current list, South Effingham and Effingham County are the fourth- and fifth-smallest Class AAAAAA schools. Wheeler is the biggest with a reclassification count of 2,654, including 475 out-of-zone students.

Barring any last-minute shuffling because of appeals, Class AAAAAA will have 56 schools, including current members Glynn Academy, (1,900 and 157), Bradwell Institute (1,632 and 386) and Brunswick (1,790 and 18). 

Current Class AAAAAA member Richmond Hill (2,341 and 0) is reported to be considering an appeal to avoid a move to Class AAAAAAA due to its isolation from similar-sized schools. 

Effingham County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford, Effingham County Athletic Director Matt Huntley and South Effingham Athletic Director Jeff Faith recently met with representatives of nearby schools to discuss region possibilities.

“We’re not opposed to the three schools in Columbia County (Grovetown, Evans and Lakeside) joining us,” Ford said. “We have a healthy relationship with those guys and they have to go somewhere. They will have to go to the Houston County area, according to the map, or come down to us.”

Effingham High School Band to Perform at NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patty's Day
Effingham County High School band members are preparing to represent their school and community on a national stage in New York City next March. (Courtesy of Effingham County High School)
The Effingham County High School marching band has been invited to perform in New York City’s historic 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This prestigious opportunity marks the band’s largest performance to date, showcasing their talents on a national stage.
Would you like to keep reading?
You have 1 free view remaining. Use your last view to read more.