LifeWise Academy is a non-profit, released-time religious instruction program that was founded to reach public school students. Under little-known laws, students can be released during school hours to attend religious classes, provided those classes are off of school property, privately funded, and parent-permitted.
While released time religious instruction was legalized by the United States Supreme Court in 1952, obstacles made programs very rare until recently. LifeWise provides a plug-and-play approach that makes programming achievable in any community.
A joint effort of community members from several Fredericktown area churches including Berlin Church, Fredericktown Church of Christ, Cornerstone Community Church (CCC), Crossroads Church-Waterford Campus, and NewLife Community Church; as well as Northgate Church in Sunbury; has made LifeWise Academy available to Fredericktown Elementary School students beginning September 13, 2023.
Third, fourth, and fifth graders who have been enrolled by their parents will be transported via a red LifeWise Academy bus to CCC during their lunch and recess period one day per week. Kindergarten, first, and second graders will join the program in October. While at LifeWise, students will eat lunch, play games, and receive Bible-based character education.
Nearly 100 children are already enrolled, but the program is still accepting more students. Parents can enroll their child at no cost by visiting lifewise.org/fredericktownoh and selecting “enroll my student.”
The non-denominational and non-politically affiliated program is being housed at CCC due to its proximity to the school building. Leadership includes director Kurt Kershner and board members Rev. Ruth Douglas, Bernie Douglas, Kalvari Kershner, Elizabeth
Napier, Jess Pew, and Marsha Rinehart. Current teachers are Tammy Partington, Risa Bean, Keegan McQuate, and Joe Sellers, with more to be hired as the program expands.
Thanks to generous donations from community members and businesses, Fredericktown LifeWise has been able to purchase a bus and has the funds to get started this fall. However, continued financial support is needed to meet the operating costs for the remainder of the year and into the future. Tax-deductible donations can be made at lifewise.org/fredericktownoh.
