Gentry, AR — The Gentry School Board has approved participation in a released-time religious instruction option through LifeWise Academy, providing families with an additional voluntary opportunity for religious and character-based instruction during the school day. The program operates in accordance with state law and long-standing U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
The released-time option allows parents or guardians to choose for their child to receive religious instruction off campus during designated times. Participation is entirely voluntary and requires written parental permission. Students who do not participate will remain engaged in regular school activities, and the program will not interfere with required core academic instruction.
LifeWise Academy, supported locally by the Gentry Ministerial Alliance, offers age-appropriate lessons rooted in the Bible that emphasize character traits such as responsibility, gratitude, humility, and perseverance. The program is community-supported and is not funded, operated, or administered by the Gentry School District.
All LifeWise Academy employees and volunteers are required to complete background checks, with verification available to the district upon request.
Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles said the board’s decision reflects community values while maintaining the district’s commitment to choice and neutrality.
“We have been working on this for a few months now,” said Dr. Broyles. “Faith and character are important to many families in Gentry and have long been part of the community. LifeWise gives families the opportunity—by choice—for students to be exposed to religious and character-based instruction in an appropriate way during the school day. This program provides an optional opportunity for families to participate and is not something the school will require, promote, or discourage.”
The program will not begin immediately. Additional planning and coordination will take place, with initial implementation expected to begin at the intermediate school level.
More information about the released-time religious instruction option is available on the Gentry School District website under the “Family Resources” tab.