• RTBE is the only legal means by which public school students may study their faith academically and devotionally during the school day.

    Schools may enter into a cooperative arrangement with the community group offering the classes. School personnel are required to remain neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging students’ participation.

    While Released Time (RT) is equally available for any faith, School Ministries Ohio (SMO) helps Christians offer Bible classes for the public school students of their communities.

  • SMO educates, equips and encourages Christians to offer Bible classes for their community's public school students (K-12).

    As part of School Ministries, the nation's largest association of Released Time Bible Education (RTBE) programs, we mentor local leaders to create programming tailored to their students and values to start, grow and sustain RTBE classes in keeping with time-tested resources and the nation's best practices.

  • Yes, we have helped many do so successfully. Our experienced coaches will evaluate your unique needs and guide you through the detailed process.

  • Yes! RT has been around for more than a century, and was declared constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1952. In addition, RT is the subject of statutes either requiring or permitting RT under specified circumstances in more than half of all U.S. states. See releasedtime.org.

    However, while RT is constitutional, it is not a constitutional right. Ohio's law is permissive: a community cannot force a school district to released students for a RT program. When schools cooperate, we educate about the three requirements of RT:

    1. Parent permission must be given.

    2. Instruction should take place off school grounds.

    3. No state resources may be used.

  • 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 RT 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.

  • It can help students find meaning and know they matter in a dark and hurting culture. RT 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. Ohio Revised Code 3313.6022 provides that students may earn up to 2 hours of academic credit for high-school level classes that meet the law's requirements.

  • The organization offering the RT classes 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 consultation with RT staff. Frequently, RT classes are scheduled for 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 RT programs than any other state in the nation.