Parents across America are choosing Bible-based character education during public school hours for their children

(Columbus, OH – August 18, 2025) A record number of parents across America are choosing to send their children to a Bible-based character education program during public school hours this fall. LifeWise Academy, which provides such programming under religious release time laws, has estimated that it will serve nearly 100,000 students this upcoming school year – the highest number in the organization’s history.

“Demand for LifeWise is surging, and we couldn’t be more excited to see families taking advantage of our programming, from urban areas to remote towns,” said Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy. “Students who receive religious instruction are more equipped to navigate today’s challenges. Parents and teachers tell us that students’ behavior improves and that they’re more engaged both inside and outside the classroom.” 

A look at LifeWise by the numbers for the 2025-26 school year:

• LifeWise will serve students in more than 1,100 schools, nearly double the amount from the previous school year.
• LifeWise will operate in 34 states, up from 27 states in the previous school year.
• LifeWise plans to serve nearly 100,000 students this year, a record number for the organization.

“Together, with the communities we serve, we’re making a real impact,” said Penton. “We intend to keep growing thanks to the outpouring of support for LifeWise throughout the country. Every new program launched means more students hearing timeless truths, developing strong moral character, and building a foundation that will guide them for the rest of their lives.”

KEY FACTS ABOUT RELEASED TIME FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION (RTRI):

• Thirty-nine states have laws clarifying the practice of released time for religious instruction. Twelve states require school boards to adopt RTRI policies for off-site religious instruction, while eleven states have RTRI legislation pending.

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1952 that public school students could receive religious instruction during the school day so long as it is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted.

• 78 percent of American voters support teaching moral and character education to public school students and more than two-thirds want that education to be based on the Bible, according to a poll conducted earlier this year.

• Research by Thomas P. Miller and Associates in 2023 found that schools with LifeWise RTRI programs reported notable enhancements in student conduct, academic engagement and school morale.

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About LifeWise Academy: LifeWise Academy is a nonprofit that provides Bible-based character education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. Hundreds of communities have launched local LifeWise programs through a 10-step process that begins with collecting community signatures at lifewise.org.