LifeWise Academy is a step closer to bringing the organization\u2019s Bible study program to students in Bensalem Township.<\/p>\n
The Ohio-based organization confirmed that they have hired a director for the Bensalem chapter and are now moving on to step eight of launching a LifeWise<\/a>: training the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n This instruction period can take anywhere from two to six weeks, followed by an estimated 12 plus week period to officially start the program.<\/p>\n Once launched, students who choose to enroll in LifeWise will leave school at a given time in the day, usually during elective courses like gym or art, and head to an off-campus location for religious study.<\/p>\n The organization, which aligns itself with \u201chistoric, orthodox Christian beliefs,\u201d states on its website<\/a> that the program is open to any and all students, not just Christian ones: \u201cLifeWise 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The Heritage Foundation<\/a> \u2014 the right-wing think tank<\/a> that authored Project 2025<\/a> \u2014 awarded<\/a> LifeWise a 2025 innovation prize, an accolade given for \u201ccreative solutions to the most pressing issues facing America.\u201d LifeWise Academy\u2019s critics, like the Secular Education Association<\/a>, argue the organization\u2019s real mission is to dismantle the wall separating church and state in public education.\u00a0<\/p>\n READ: A Program Taking Kids out of Class for Bible Study Tests Boundaries in Public Schools\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n When children leave class is determined by school personnel \u2014\u00a0in consultation with LifeWise Academy \u2014 according to the organization\u2019s educator manual<\/a>.<\/p>\n The program uses a Pennsylvania law that allows for 30 hours of release time religious education, as long as that instruction is off school grounds, privately funded and parent approved.<\/p>\n Bensalem school officials met with representatives from LifeWise in June, according to Susan Phy, the district\u2019s communications liaison.\u00a0<\/p>\n LifeWise Academy Brings Bible Study Program to Quakertown Elementary, Eyes Four Other Bucks County School Districts | \u201cIf we can get children to develop a Biblical worldview, this spiritual war that we\u2019re talking about, the war is over,\u201d the Christian organization states in a promotional video.<\/p>\n \u2014 Bucks County Beacon (@buckscountybeacon.com)<\/a> 2026-09-16T12:37:30.526Z<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cDuring those conversations, LifeWise representatives explained that the program would provide character education through Bible study at an off-campus location during the school day, once per week for approximately 40 minutes,\u201d Phy said.<\/p>\n LifeWise also noted that students would be released during their lunch period and have secured a location for the Bensalem chapter.\u00a0<\/p>\n