GROVE, Ohio-Around 20 parents and children protested outside a Grove City church against LifeWise Academy, a Bible-based education non-profit. The demonstration coincided with LifeWise’s largest conference, which attracted around 800 attendees. Critics, including Zachary Parrish and Alan Limke, argued that LifeWise’s program, which involves removing students from regular classes for religious instruction, negatively impacts children’s education and social experiences. They expressed concerns about potential indoctrination and the effectiveness of LifeWise’s approach compared to traditional education. LifeWise CEO Joel Penton defended the program, emphasizing its optional nature and growth across 27 states. He invited critics to review the curriculum and claimed the program has led to improved school attendance and reduced disciplinary issues. Despite ongoing debate, Penton remains committed to expanding LifeWise, which has faced legal disputes over its curriculum’s unauthorized posting online.
