Christian Release Time Program Expands Significantly in Ohio

Columbus, OH, September 3, 2026 — LifeWise Academy, a Christian religious release time program, is experiencing substantial growth across Ohio. The organization reports that more than 40% of the state’s school districts currently host active chapters, with hundreds of additional chapters in various stages of development.

This expansion follows the enactment of a state law that mandates public schools to establish policies for religious instruction to be offered during school hours. LifeWise Academy’s program utilizes these policies to allow students to attend religious classes off school grounds during designated periods.

The initiative’s rapid increase in Ohio is notable, with the program aiming to establish a presence in a wide array of school districts statewide. The expansion indicates a growing interest in or adoption of religious release time programs within the state’s educational framework.

However, the program’s expansion has also drawn criticism. Some parents and advocacy groups have voiced concerns regarding the program’s integration with public schooling. The specific nature of these criticisms was not detailed in the provided summary.

The state law facilitating these programs requires districts to adopt policies for religious instruction. This legislative development has created a pathway for organizations like LifeWise Academy to operate within the public school system’s operational framework, provided they adhere to established guidelines for student release and participation.

Details regarding the specific number of students participating, the exact timeline of the expansion, or the precise nature of the criticisms have not been provided. Further information would be required to fully understand the scope and impact of LifeWise Academy’s growth in Ohio.

Story summarized from the original created by Megan Henry on ohiocapitaljournal.com, see more information here.

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