Public School Students are Studying the Bible Academically and Devotionally During the School Day

Did you know it is legal for public school students to study the Bible, learn its life applications, and develop a walk with Christ - during the school day?

"Released Time" is legal and constitutional when three things are in place:

1. Instruction takes place off school grounds;

2. Students' attendance is voluntary and with parental permission; and

3. No state or federal resources (taxpayer funds) are used. Released Time is privately funded - by churches, community organizations, and/or individuals.

Too many of our nation’s children and young adults have never been to church, much less read the Bible. But things can be different in your community. School Ministries serves to educate, equip and encourage as you bring together Christian leaders and volunteers to offer the option of RTBE to your public school students.

Research outlined in Hardwired to Connect and Summary of Findings: National Council on Crime and Delinquency shows that RTBE students perform better both academically and behaviorally.

RTBE programs bring hope to youth.

What is "Released Time"?

The term "Released Time" comes from the idea that children are released from school during the school day for religious instruction. In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Released Time programs as constitutional legal in all 50 states (Zorach v. Clauson). However, while Released Time is constitutional, it is not a constitutional right. In other words, unless your state has a law requiring schools to dismiss students for Released Time, you cannot force your school district to release students for a Released Time Program. For state-specific legal information, visit https://releasedtime.org.