LifeWise Academy Expands to Canton City Schools

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LifeWise Academy, a released-time religious instruction program, will begin offering Bible-based character education classes to second-grade students at Harter Elementary in Canton City Schools this spring. With parental permission, students will travel from their school to Canton Baptist Temple during lunch and recess periods to learn about the Bible and relevant character traits.

Why it matters

The introduction of LifeWise Academy in Canton City Schools reflects a growing national trend of public-private partnerships to provide faith-based education options for families. While proponents argue it offers valuable character development, critics raise concerns about the separation of church and state in public education.

The details

LifeWise Academy, based in Hilliard, Ohio, is a released-time religious instruction program that provides Bible-based character education to public school students. With parental permission, students are released from their regular school schedule for one hour per week to attend off-campus LifeWise classes. The program aims to teach the Bible chronologically and connect each lesson to a relevant character trait for students to practice in their daily lives.

• LifeWise Academy will launch its classes at Harter Elementary in Canton City Schools this spring.
• The program will take place during the students' lunch and recess periods.

What’s next

LifeWise Academy plans to continue expanding its program to additional grade levels and schools within the Canton City School District in the coming years, pending ongoing parental interest and approval.