Where to go from here

To answer your question, classification is based on size. The bigger the school, the harder to make a team.

TPM -- Most people don't. I'm assuming you live in a decent school district like the one where I grew up (Cobb County, GA).  You go to the public school you're zoned for and move to the same new schools as your friends when the time comes.  

We live in a city school district that is poorly funded and even more poorly run. Actually, it's not as poorly funded as they want you to think. It's just corrupt and has been mismanaged for years. They've closed many schools, resulting in overcrowding in the schools that remained open. Even though we live in a relatively nice part of town, the schools we are zoned for have serious safety issues and a significant number of reports of violence.  Many of the kids never graduate.  Many don't go on to college.  

If you have the choice -- and we do -- when your kids near high school age you have four option:

1) apply to the magnet public school, which is outstanding;

2) apply to the Archdiocese schools that seem like a good fit for your family;

3) apply to a private school; or

4) move your family to a decent school district

There are many private school options.  Most cost upwards of $25K a year and are financially out of our reach.

He's applying to the magnet public school (it's very respected and stresses academics), but he must be accepted. His grades are good, but his standardized test scores are borderline to the minimum the school requires.  

He's applying to a Catholic school as back up to the magnet school.  

We are considering a relocation to the county nearby. He has lots of friends in the school district that he's met thru spots. This is a last resort though. We're not "up" for a move at this point in time.

I imagine it's a process not unlike choosing a college, only there are fewer options.

The kid goes to a small Catholic School with one class per grade. When they advance to 9th grade, they will scatter to different schools b/c most of them share the same concerns about the public schools they are zoned for. 

Choose the best school possible for the best education. Choose the best travel team for the best baseball experience and exposure.