Education
In-Depth

LifeWise Academy Strives to ‘Bring the Word of God to the Next Generation’

Founded by former Ohio State University football player Joel Penton, the Ohio-based nonprofit is expected to have a presence in 34 states by year’s end.
LifeWise Academy Strives to ‘Bring the Word of God to the Next Generation’
Based in suburban Columbus, Ohio, LifeWise Academy provides Bible-based character education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. Courtesy of LifeWise Academy
Jeff Louderback
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HILLIARD, Ohio—At about lunchtime, a group of children in Ohio’s Clark County leaves school to study the Bible, pray, and sing worship songs.

They are taking part in LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit organization that offers faith-based character education to public school students during school hours under “released time” religious instruction laws, which permit students to be excused from their regular classes with parental consent.

Jeff Louderback
Jeff Louderback
Reporter
Jeff Louderback covers major news and politics, including the Make America Healthy Again movement and regenerative farming. Since joining The Epoch Times in 2022, he has covered national elections, the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential campaign, the East Palestine train derailment, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Jeff has 30-plus years of professional experience as a reporter, editor, and author.