Wynford Local Schools Supports Lifewise Academy

Wynford Local Schools (Bucyrus, OH) has released students to attend Lifewise Academy since January 2022. From the start of the program, Steve Ritzhaupt, Lifewise director at the time, requested that Wynford Schools donate the use of the school's bus drivers. The buses used would also be Wynford's. The superintendent at the time, Fred Fox, thought the school could do this but later was informed that it would be against the law.

Are Elmwood Local Schools and Lifewise Academy Breaking Ohio Law?

Lifewise Academy states religious instruction during the school day is legal, if three criteria are followed. "Off school Property. Privately funded. Parent permitted." Zorach vs Clauson, the supreme court case Lifewise also continuously mentions, says "a program which permits its public schools to release students during the school day so that they may leave the school buildings and school grounds and go to religious centers for religious instruction or devotional exercises."

Validating Claims Lifewise Academy Improves Attendance

"Looking at publicly available data… the one day out of the week the school hits its target of 90% enrollment is the day it has Lifewise."

Joel Penton, Lifewise Academy CEO

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Lifewise Academy Seeking Board Approval in Tiffin City Schools

Lifewise Academy has created a steering committee and an official plan to bring its bible study classes to Tiffin City Schools. The plan would offer the program to students at Krout and Washington elementary schools. The classes would be held at the Chandelier Event Center for Washington and Restoration Alliance Church for Krout.

Did Lifewise Academy CEO Joel Penton Mislead the Ohio House of Representatives?

Joel Penton, CEO of Lifewise Academy, testified in support of HB 445. In his testimony, he stated that “almost none of our students miss any class of any kind” by attending a Lifewise class. Joel Penton's testimony made it appear that almost all Lifewise classes are during lunch and recess. This is not true. Many Lifewise programs operate during specials or other instruction time that is not lunch or recess.