LifeWise Academy in Iowa 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 Iowa, LifeWise currently serves approximately 900 students across 22 schools, reflecting significant year-over-year growth as more families see the significant benefits of released time religious instruction.
“Iowa families are clearly looking for ways to support character development and address the many challenges that children face today,” said Sarah Buzynski, 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 Iowa has been driven by local families, with new programs launching and additional communities currently exploring program development.
Highlights from LifeWise in Iowa during the 2025-26 school year include:
- Served more than 850 students across 22 schools
- Expanded into new communities, including Orange City, Des Moines, and Aplington-Parkersburg
- Continued strong parent participation and community support
The growth of LifeWise in Iowa comes as state policymakers have continued to strengthen support for released time religious instruction. Last year, the Iowa Legislature passed, and Gov. Reynolds signed into law, legislation requiring school districts to adopt policies governing released time religious instruction (RTRI). The new law provides greater clarity for school districts and families while ensuring that students have access to voluntary, parent-permitted religious instruction during the school day in accordance with longstanding U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
The law has been enacted at a time when new national polling of public school parents and educators shows overwhelming support for Bible-based character education as a solution to the growing behavioral and mental health challenges facing today’s students.
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 Iowa are looking for solutions that help students build strong character, purpose, and values,” said Buzynski. “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.