Of these, several were at one time members of a conference but became independent because of budget and travel concerns.
However, some of them, mostly private schools, are also independent in order to better prepare for the state tournament, a practice that the IHSAA has begun to crack down on in recent years.
It is also important to note that some schools (mostly private) are placed in classes higher than their enrollment.
This is due to a new IHSAA rule that took effect for the 2012-13 year that dictates that a school that has made two appearances at the state championships in a row, win or lose, is automatically moved up into the next class.
These schools are independent in football, but play other sports within a conference.