Released Time (“RT”) is the only legal means by which public school students may study their faith academically and devotionally during the school day. Schools may enter a cooperative arrangement with the community group offering the classes.

School personnel are required to remain neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging students’ participation. While RT is equally available for any faith, School Ministries helps Christians offer Bible classes for the public school students of their communities.

School Ministries Ohio educates, equips, and encourages Christians to offer Bible classes for their public school students (K-12).

Local programs receive counsel and support as a part of School Ministries. Our RTBE programs have been serving since 1991.

Yes! RT has been around for more than a century and was declared constitutional for all 50 states by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1952.

What’s more, Released Time is the subject of statutes either requiring or permitting RT under specified circumstances in more than half of the U.S. states.

See schoolministries.org/get-involved.

Ohio’s law requires a school district to adopt a policy of RT with elementary and middle school students able to attend one to two classes weekly.

No. RT classes honor the judicial doctrine of “separation of church and state” by following constitutional requirements established by the U.S Supreme Court and affirmed by federal and state courts. The constitutionality of release time was recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1952 and upheld since, as an expression of our right to the “free exercise of religion” protected by the 1st Amendment.

Prominent voices across America’s ideological and theological spectrum agree on the constitutionality of RT.

Studying the Bible assists students in developing a sense of meaning and personal value, while also supporting cognitive development and literacy skills, particularly considering broader declines in literacy. It is proven to help students academically, behaviorally and in character development. Teachers and volunteers provide much needed adult mentorship. Studies consistently show that students who take it thrive.

Yes. The Ohio Revised Code 3313.6022 provides that students may earn up to 2 hours of academic credit for high school classes that meet the law’s requirements.

Visit releasedtime.org to understand the history and legality of RT, as well as state laws and administrative requirements around the nation.

See schoolministriesohio.org to learn how Christian leaders in your community can be educated, equipped, and encouraged to begin RTBE classes for your public school students.

The organization offering Released Time has the responsibility and right to choose the curriculum. Christian organizations may teach Bible classes and are not required to teach all religions.

No. RT classes do not interfere with your child’s mandatory school courses or after-school activities.

The class schedule is set by school personnel in collaboration with RT staff. Often, the RT classes are scheduled at times when other electives are offered.

Parents or guardians are required to sign permission forms provided by the local RT program. By law, the program must be FREE to schools.

Very likely. Ohio has more Released Time programs than any other state in the nation. 100% of Ohio’s school districts must have a policy in place permitting Released Time.

Contact us for sites in your area.

School Ministries Ohio is committed to helping local leaders who want to “serve as led” and customize their program to meet the unique needs of their community’s students.

Our experience has shown that as communities own their programs - local control of costs and decision making - they are able to exercise good stewardship, keep local funds local, and develop strong relationships with area churches to serve students and schools.