LifeWise Academy Expands Rapidly Across Arkansas in 2025-26 School Year, Serving Hundreds of Students
The following is a press release from LifeWise Academy.
Little Rock, AR (June 1, 2026) – LifeWise Academy in Arkansas today announced continued growth across the state, following a banner 2025–26 school year marked by strong local demand and expanding participation in Bible-based character education programs.
In Arkansas, LifeWise currently serves approximately 1,260 students with 12 live programs in 16 schools, reflecting significant year-over-year growth as more families see the significant benefits of released time religious instruction.
“Arkansas families are clearly looking for ways to support character development and address the many challenges that children face today,” said Jeff Wilkerson, State Director for LifeWise Academy. “We are seeing tremendous momentum as communities come together to offer students the opportunity to engage with the Bible during school hours.”
Growth in Arkansas has been driven by local families, with new programs launching and
additional communities currently exploring program development.
Highlights from LifeWise in Arkansas during the 2025-26 school year include:
● Served approximately 1,260 students across 16 schools
● Expanded into new communities, including Benton, Bentonville, and Bryant
● Continued strong parent participation and community support
The survey of 1,000 public school parents and 200 public school educators across the country was conducted by Scott Rasmussen’s RMG Research. Among the poll’s findings:
- Nearly 90% favor teaching moral and character education to public school students
- Nearly 70% say voluntary, off-campus Bible-based character education programs would be helpful for their child’s school.
- Over 85% would favor a released time religious instruction program if it were
offered
“Families across Arkansas are looking for solutions that help students build strong character, purpose, and values,” said Jeff Wilkerson. “The overwhelming support reflected in this polling mirrors what we are seeing in communities throughout the state — parents and educators want students to have access to positive moral and character education opportunities, and LifeWise is helping meet that demand.”
Key Facts About Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI):
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1952 that public school students could receive religious instruction during the school day so long as it is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted.
- Thirty-one states have laws clarifying the practice of released time for religious instruction.
- Since launching in 5 Ohio schools in 2019, LifeWise Academy has grown to more than 1,000 schools across 37 states — an 11,640% increase in participation. To date, LifeWise has served more than 100,000 students.
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About LifeWise Academy: LifeWise Academy is a nonprofit that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. Hundreds of communities have launched local LifeWise programs through a 10-step process that begins with collecting community signatures at lifewise.org.
