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.