Rockwall, this is your moment to help launch LifeWise Academy

A community-driven effort is underway to bring Biblical values, Bible-based education opportunities to Rockwall public school students — and your support can make it happen.

Sponsored content by LifeWise Academy Rockwall Steering Committee. Courtesy photos.

Rockwall, TX (November 24, 2025) – Today, even the best schools are facing a growing crisis of mental health concerns, behavioral challenges, and other pressures affecting students. Parents—often stretched for time and resources—are increasingly turning to these schools, where their children spend much of their day, for the most immediate source of support.

But schools face their own set of challenges—limited time, funding, and staffing. While educators genuinely want to see students thrive in every area of life, the growing demands on schools make it difficult to add and sustain additional programs.

As parents seek meaningful ways to support their children, many are rediscovering the importance of positive values and biblical principles that model character, compassion, and respect. The question then becomes: how can these lessons be reinforced when most students attend public school?

With growing support from the Rockwall community, LifeWise Academy aims to answer that question—bridging the gap between classroom education and Biblical values education, right here at home.

LifeWise Academy offers Bible-based education during school hours — legally and with parental consent.

A Foundation of Collaboration and Community Support

Founded in Ohio in 2018, LifeWise Academy is an innovative program offering character-based and Bible-based instruction legally to students in public schools.

Its introduction in Rockwall marks another milestone in the organization’s national expansion, with active locations now operating in 37 states and serving tens of thousands of students.

“The recipe for success,” says Kevin Monk, a member of the Rockwall steering committee, “is a strong partnership between parents, churches, and schools to see the program launch.”

Rooted in collaboration, LifeWise builds its model around these vital partnerships. Once local interest is established, a steering committee forms to manage logistics, build relationships, and coordinate with the school district. LifeWise then secures an off-site location—where classes are held during non-instructional times such as lunch or electives—hires and trains staff, ensures private funding, and provides safe transportation.

With growing interest from parents and churches, a steering committee of local volunteers is working to establish LifeWise Academy’s off-campus, Bible-based program for Rockwall students. From left: Grant Taft, Kevin Monk, Walt Sosnowski, Hugo Alvarez, Cecilia Torio, and Christine Mathew.

What About Separation of Church & State?

Many people are unaware that Bible-based education can legally take place during school hours—provided specific criteria are met.

While a Supreme Court ruling in the 1960s removed Bible reading from public instruction, an earlier 1952 case, Zorach v. Clauson, remains in effect. It confirmed that religious instruction is permitted if:

It occurs off school property.
It is privately funded.
It is voluntary, with written parental consent.

These three guidelines form the foundation of the LifeWise model.

In Texas, Senate Bill 1049—signed into law in June 2025—reaffirms the ruling for public and charter schools. The bill clarifies that students may be excused from class to attend a “released time course” for religious instruction off campus, with parental consent.

Students may miss up to five hours per week for such courses, and these are considered mandatory excused absences under the updated Texas Education Code.

Curriculum Principles of “Main and Plain”

The LifeWise curriculum focuses on shared biblical values and positive character development, steering clear of denominational differences. Lessons emphasize three key principles—Head, Heart, and Hands—to encourage both understanding and action.

Head: Learning what the Bible says and discovering who God is.
Heart: Understanding what these stories reveal about ourselves, others, and our shared need for grace.
Hands: Putting faith into practice by modeling positive behavior and living out biblical truths.

This “Main and Plain” approach helps students connect spiritual learning with everyday life. Districts that have partnered with LifeWise report encouraging results, including improved attendance and fewer disciplinary issues.

Off-School Property: Movie Premiere Brings Awareness to the LifeWise Mission

Recently, LifeWise’s documentary Off-School Property premiered in 25 markets, including Rockwall. Playing to a packed theater, the film explored the history of Bible-based instruction in public schools, how it was later removed, and the lasting impact that followed.

The documentary also examined the 1952 Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the legality of “released time” religious instruction—education offered off school property during school hours with parental consent.

Through storytelling and personal accounts, Off-School Property shines a light on LifeWise’s mission to make character-based, Bible-based education accessible to communities nationwide, while highlighting the growing movement in Rockwall.

To obtain a FREE link to this enlightening, informative movie, “Off School Property” to view and show to your church or mission minded organization, you can email our Program Director, Christine Mathew at RockwallTX@lifewise.org.

LifeWise Academy empowers students to grow in character, compassion, and faith.

What It Will Take

The Rockwall steering committee has set a goal to launch a pilot program at one Rockwall ISD elementary school in spring 2026, with a full launch that fall. To finalize plans, LifeWise is seeking a host church, classroom volunteers, teachers, shuttle drivers, and financial partners to help purchase curriculum and supplies.

You can help make it happen. Spread the word by calling your church to host Bible classes and your local school to voice your support of LifeWise Bible education classes at your school. Our churches and schools, at large, have not heard about LifeWise so your voice matters to promote this mission to the Rockwall community. Pray for this endeavor. Volunteer. Become an ambassador to help spread the word. Apply to become a teacher or board member.

Spread the word, show your support, and become an ambassador for the LifeWise program. The Rockwall community has already stepped up—now it’s time to build on that momentum.

Rockwall has the potential to serve as a model for neighboring communities across North Texas, with interest already growing in Royse City and beyond.

Your Next Steps