Lifewise Academy’s Religious Instruction Program Faces Resistance
Lifewise Academy, a nonprofit Christian organization established in 2018, offers off-campus, Bible-based instruction to public school students during regular hours. This program adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Time of Release Act, supported by a 1952 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The classes, which take place off school premises, are privately funded and voluntary, requiring parental consent for participation.
Despite its compliance, Lifewise finds itself facing opposition in various schools, particularly those that are otherwise open to progressive initiatives, like Pride Month.
In a recent episode of “Relatable,” Joel Penton, the founder and CEO of Lifewise Academy, discussed the initiative and its ongoing challenges with progressive school systems.
Currently, Lifewise serves tens of thousands of students across more than 30 states. The Bible lesson curriculum is structured so students can learn the entire Bible within five years. According to Penton, the plan is simple: children begin with Genesis in first grade, and by the end of fifth grade, they have read the whole Bible. The lessons emphasize three areas: the head (understanding the Bible), the heart (connecting with the gospel), and the hands (applying what they learn).
This approach not only educates children from Christian families but also introduces biblical teachings to those from non-Christian backgrounds. Penton shared a touching story about a girl who joined Lifewise and encouraged her family to explore faith, leading all nine family members to be baptized.
Every day, Penton receives stories about how Lifewise classes affect children and their families positively. However, some schools hesitate to integrate Lifewise into their environments.
While about 90% of schools support the Lifewise program, there exists a “very vocal minority” that actively opposes it. Penton describes these individuals as resistant to the Bible, viewing it as regressive and objecting to anyone having access to its teachings—even in an optional format where children don’t have to sign up.
Members of these communities frequently express their dissent during school board meetings and engage in social media campaigns against Lifewise. Ironically, their campaigns often increase support for the program. For instance, when an Ohio school district discontinued its Lifewise program after two years, the move faced significant backlash. Governor Mike DeWine subsequently enacted House Bill 8, which mandates public school districts to adopt policies for religious school hours, prompting around 80 additional districts to embrace the Lifewise program.
Conversely, in heavily Democratic states like Washington, resistance is particularly strong. In a clip from the episode, Charles Adkins, a member of the Everett Public Schools Board of Trustees, stated his strong opposition to Lifewise Academy.
Penton commented on how Everett Public Schools has policies seemingly designed to hinder the Lifewise program. While many secular programs need just a one-time parental approval, Lifewise students must submit a permission form each week.
Moreover, there’s an added requirement: if students complete worksheets, like coloring a picture of Moses, they have to submit the work in a sealed envelope, a condition not seen in other programs.
Lifewise attempted to address these concerns with the school board but received no feedback. This led First Liberty Institute to file a federal lawsuit against Everett Public Schools, claiming unconstitutional discrimination against the religious program.
The lawsuit remains pending, but Penton expresses a simple desire: he wants Lifewise Academy to be treated like other programs and for policies to revert to normal.
For those interested in hearing more of this discussion, the full episode is available above.
