FAQ

LifeWise is possible through Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) laws upheld by the US Supreme Court. RTRI guidelines both guard against government establishment of any one religion and allow expression of the right to the “free exercise of religion,” also protected by the First Amendment. Released time religious instruction (RTRI) creates an incredible opportunity for public school students to receive valuable religious and spiritual education during the existing hours provided by their school day. The Supreme Court Ruling (Zorach v. Clauson, 1952) makes it both constitutional and legal for communities across the country to establish religious programs like LifeWise Academy that meet the three conditions outlined by the ruling: the programs are off school property, privately funded and parent permitted. The Ohio Revised Code created a RTRI policy in 2014 mirroring the Supreme Court Ruling, and the Olentangy School District created its own policy in 2018. A student’s expressions of faith are safeguarded by the First Amendment, ensuring their right to free speech and the free exercise of religion, as long as these expressions don’t disrupt class or infringe on other students' rights. Released time guidelines strike a perfect balance, preventing government endorsement of any single religion while upholding our cherished right to freely practice our faith.

Founded in 2018, LifeWise Academy is a division of Stand For Truth, an event-based nonprofit ministry with a mission to reach public school students. The creation of LifeWise was inspired by an RTRI program in Van Wert, OH.

In May of 2022, a group of Olentangy community members came together to gauge the interest in starting a LifeWise Academy in Olentangy. A Steering Committee subsequently formed, and community interest grew. After meeting with school administration, approval was granted to start LifeWise Academy in Olentangy using the RTRI policy already adopted by the Olentangy School Board.

LifeWise is complementary to existing before- and after-school programs. The primary distinctive feature of LifeWise is that it operates during the school day, thereby engaging the students who are most unlikely to attend before- and after-school programs due to transportation, extracurricular and other issues.

No, LifeWise is not affiliated with or supportive of any particular political party or figure. LifeWise is for all families regardless of political persuasion.

LifeWise Academy recognizes that the Bible was foundational to the forming of our society. We believe all students, regardless of religious background, can benefit from a greater understanding of such an influential book.

LifeWise serves students by offering a practical Bible based character education. The curriculum remains focused on the main and plain things in the Bible.  A special effort is made to avoid teaching an official position on different church denominational topics.

No, for Olentangy, LifeWise classes are held during the combined lunch/recess periods for Elementary School students and during the Academic Assist class period for Middle School students.  Thus, while classes are held during the school day, they do not interfere with children’s mandatory courses or extracurricular activities. The class schedule is set by school personnel in consultation with LifeWise representatives.

The LifeWise curriculum is designed to take students through the entire Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, over the course of three years. Each lesson reviews a Bible passage as well as a "Living LifeWise" character trait. Powered by The Gospel Project, the LifeWise curriculum exists as part of a license agreement between Lifeway Publishing and LifeWise Academy. LifeWise Academy does not have legal rights to make the curriculum available to the public free of charge; however, anyone may request a temporary review of the full curriculum at lifewise.org/curriculum.

For LifeWise Olentangy elementary students, LifeWise classes will be offered during the combined lunch/recess periods, once a week. For LifeWise Olentangy middle school students, LifeWise classes will be offered during Academic Assist, once a week.

LifeWise Olentangy classes are staffed for 25 students or less per teacher and two classroom volunteers.  It is our goal that the LifeWise adult-to-student ratio ensures safe and effective learning in every classroom.

LifeWise Olentangy has been intentional in their planning for students who will need additional support in the classroom. The Olentangy School District does not share individual IEP/504 plans with LifeWise Olentangy, however LifeWise teachers work with parents to ensure individual needs of students are accommodated.

Each LifeWise Program is funded by private donations through local fundraising efforts. There is no cost to schools or participating families.

Parents complete a LifeWise permission slip AND an Olentangy School District permission slip. These slips register their student with the school office where their child attends school and MUST be completed the month before their child plans to attend. To complete the LifeWise Olentangy permission slip, click HERE. To complete the OLSD permission slip, click HERE.

LifeWise is completely voluntary, and parents have the right to withdraw their child at any time for any reason. The parent notifies the LifeWise Program staff of their interest to disenroll their student.  It bears mentioning that when a student is disenrolled, then the disenrollment remains in effect for the school year.

LifeWise Olentangy transports students to and from their school using a 15-passenger shuttle, which includes handi-cap access, or full-size school bus. Transport distance is generally 2 miles or less.  All LifeWise Olentangy shuttles/buses are fully branded with the LifeWise colors and logos. All LifeWise vehicles are inspected yearly by the state of Ohio Highway Patrol and are driven by experienced and properly licensed drivers. The LifeWise school bus is driven by a CDL + P (passenger) driver, whenever required, who has been background checked including FBI/BCI (with fingerprinting) as well as child safety training.

LifeWise Olentangy classrooms are located in host churches that are in close proximity to the school where the students come from. The actual classroom set-up utilizes a “pop-up” classroom model. Safety protocols and procedures are implemented to ensure the safety of students and staff. All LifeWise Olentangy locations are locked and handicap accessible.

Student safety is our highest priority! LifeWise has policies and procedures that the LifeWise Olentangy program follows.  LifeWise takes responsibility for student safety as soon as students step out of their schools to attend LifeWise classes. LifeWise maintains appropriate employer, liability, auto, and property insurance coverage which extends to the LifeWise Olentangy Program.

Yes, all local leaders, teachers and volunteers are required to complete a background screening. LifeWise Olentangy is in the process of requiring an FBI & BCI background check (+ fingerprinting) for the Program Director, teachers and bus drivers to ensure the safety of the students and the program. Child safety training and continuing education is also provided with the assistance of the LifeWise Support Center.

LifeWise Olentangy is led by a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Head Teachers and an Advisory Board Member Team.

In Olentangy, college-educated teachers teach the students in LifeWise classes. We carefully select and hire our teachers after careful consideration of their teaching experience, degrees,  and certifications, and pastoral references to ensure their involvement and standing in the local church. In addition, all LifeWise Olentangy  teachers receive comprehensive training to ensure they are well-prepared to lead in the classroom and manage students. Furthermore, all LifeWise Olentangy teachers have BLS/CPR training.

Classroom volunteers are needed to assist the teachers in the classroom and accompany the students with the teachers when the students are transported by bus to and from the school.

Check out the LifeWise Academy videos page.

Read the During School Hours Book.