When Morality Teaches Indoctrination- LifeWise Academy is not Neutral

By M. Patton, Special Education Advocate & Mom of Two Daughters with IEPs

In the name of “character education,” LifeWise Academy has woven itself into public schools across multiple states. But make no mistake: this is religious programming—not education. Under the veneer of moral curriculum, LifeWise is pushing Christian ideology, often without transparency, inclusivity, or academic accountability.

The Evidence Against LifeWise’s Neutrality

1. Concerns About Curriculum Transparency & Propaganda

LifeWise has long refused to share its full curriculum, citing vague copyrights—yet its materials are explicitly evangelical. Critics note it teaches students the entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation and includes conservative stances on family structures and LGBTQ+ issues.

The Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, and others have documented content that labels nontraditional families as “wrong” and uses language sourced from conservative religious authors.

2. Recruiting Through Public Schools

LifeWise treats schools as recruitment sites. Their model includes steering committees run by local churches and heavy promotion within schools—even when such activities toe the line of neutrality.

One watchdog group notes the program “has used the Zorach case as its umbrella to permit itself to use the public schools as its mission field.”

3. Significant Lobbying & Influence Strategy

This isn’t grassroots. LifeWise operates as a national franchise using aggressive lobbying. In Alabama, LifeWise spent millions lobbying for a mandatory released-time policy. In Ohio, they hired lobbying firms and continue pushing state laws that favor religious instruction during school hours.

4. Constitutional and Community Backlash

In Ohio and Washington, programs have sparked legal and community pushback. The Freedom From Religion Foundation challenged districts; some school boards rescinded policies allowing the program due to academic disruption and separation of church/state concerns.

The Indianapolis AP warned LifeWise removes students from academics in a state already grappling with literacy struggles.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state. Public schools, funded by taxpayers, must remain neutral in matters of religion. When districts partner with outside religious groups — even off campus — it blurs that line.

Supreme Court precedent:

McCollum v. Board of Education (1948) — struck down religious classes inside public schools.

Zorach v. Clauson (1952) — allowed off-campus “released time” programs, but only if strictly voluntary, no school resources are used, and no child is coerced or stigmatized.

5. Real-World Harms & Exclusion

Parents report their children have been ostracized or bullied for not participating, while others received extra homework or substitutes during LifeWise time. These are not isolated incidents.

Why It Matters for Students with Disabilities

• Loss of Instructional Supports: Pulling students from elective time (like art or library) likely conflicts with IEP/504 services, undermining FAPE.

• Vulnerability to Indoctrination: Some students may not understand the difference between academic facts and religious doctrine.

• Cultural & Religious Exclusion: Non-Christian students can feel alienated, and their beliefs are sidelined—even without opting out.

Call to Action for Parents and Advocates

1. Demand full transparency: Insist on seeing LifeWise material prior to approval.

2. Preserve IEP/504 Services: No religious instruction should replace academic or therapeutic time.

3. Speak Up: Attend school board meetings, raise constitutional concerns, and document when off-campus religion affects your child’s services.

4. File Complaints if Needed: If rights are violated, take action through the US Department of Education or legal channels.

Final Word

America was built on religious freedom—not religious uniformity. Public schools must remain neutral spaces for all children. What LifeWise markets as moral instruction is often deeply partisan ideology—and in layered ways, it weakens the very protections designed to ensure all children learn safely and equitably.