The Rise of LifeWise Academy:
The Rise of LifeWise Academy: The Rise of LifeWise Academy: Transforming Public Education Through Faith-Based Instruction In an era where public schools face ongoing challenges—from attendance struggles to behavioral concerns—one innovative program is quietly reshaping the landscape by bringing Bible-based character education directly into students' school weeks. LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit launched in 2018, uses the established legal framework of "released time religious instruction" to deliver off-site Bible classes during the school day. What started as a small effort in a few Ohio districts has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, now reaching nearly 100,000 students across 34 states in the 2025-26 school year. This remarkable expansion highlights its surging popularity and its potential to foster positive change in young lives. The story begins with founder Joel Penton, a former Ohio State University defensive lineman who played under coach Jim Tressel. Drawing in...