Following a brief Thursday night presentation from Cadiz Baptist Church Associate Pastor Josh Webster, Crossroads Fellowship Pastor Matt Shown and The Way Christian Youth Center’s Carl Heckmann, Trigg County’s Board of Education members gave unanimous conditional approval for the arrival of LifeWise Academy on a one-year trial run with the fifth-grade class during the 2026-27 academic calendar.
The optional, off-campus moral instruction program will take place at The Way on Lafayette Street during the weekly Explore hours, and participation will require parental consent — with students being escorted by district-approved volunteers who have completed required background checks.
Those not partaking in the activity will remain in on-campus Explore scenarios.
Webster, who saw similar instruction take root during his time in Bell County, said the class structure is simple and straightforward.
Webster further noted that students who partake in the program have improved behavior and academics, and that such a program might lead some families “back to public education, due to a perceived lack of religious instruction otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Shown added that fifth grade was a “good middle ground” and age group to start the program, and see if it grows in some direction.
An Ohio-based nonprofit, LifeWise Academy is considered non-denominational, and it can legally operate under Kentucky’s 2025 “moral instruction” law, Senate Bill 19, which allows school districts to approve voluntary, off-campus religious or moral instruction programs for up to one hour each week during the school day.
It also isn’t the first faith-based organization to have a place in public education, as Fellowship of Christian Athletes — as well as various Bible and prayer groups — are allowed to operate.
In west Kentucky, Caldwell County Schools approved its conditional plan in late April, while McCracken County Public Schools approved the program in 2025. Marshall County Public Schools has operated a LifeWise program since 2023 and currently includes six schools, and nearly 500 students, in the partnership.
The program is privately funded — often through anonymous donors and onboard churches — and typically has no district employees teach the classes. Students also aren’t penalized for missing instructional time while attending, nor are they penalized for declining the programming.
LifeWise officials have stated curriculum focuses on Bible-based character education, teaching values such as kindness, courage, honesty and respect through lessons similar to vacation Bible school or Sunday school programs.
Some districts — including Warren, Calloway, Oldham and Kenton counties — have voted against allowing the program, while others are considering their own proposals.
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