LifeWise Academy Stops Construction of Classrooms
Respect Public Schools shuts down construction of Lifewise Academy classrooms on public property.
Less than a month after Lifewise Academy began construction on a new facility in Woodburn, Indiana, the work has been halted. Not only has construction stopped, but an attorney for the City of Woodburn told Respect Public Schools that the work already completed is being reversed and the property owned by the City is being restored to its previous state.
No specific reason was given for the sudden change. But I’ll beat a dead horse and tell you the reason is that Lifewise Academy, the City, and the School District violated the Federal Supreme Court rulings and Indiana law governing how released time religious programs may operate.
A quick reminder on the legal rulings for released time religious instruction. There are only a few, and they are usually very easy to understand. Zorach v. Clauson is the most frequently cited Supreme Court case regarding released time, and Indiana has a state law that defines how released time must operate. Lifewise lobbied for changes to the state law and was present when the Governor signed the bill. The fact that Lifewise didn’t know they were breaking the law is comical.
“The program involves neither religious instruction in public schools nor the expenditure of public funds.”
Zorach v. Clauson (1952)
“not be supported, in whole or in part, by public funds.”
Indiana Statute 20-33-2-19
The project to construct a Lifewise building on property owned by the City of Woodburn, Indiana, began as early as December 2023. For two and a half years, the City and Lifewise Academy coordinated efforts to construct a classroom on public property. Meetings discussing contracts, passing resolutions, permits, plans, etc…
Construction started on June 24, 2026. Lifewise Academy East Allen County posted photos of the work starting. The post has since been removed from Facebook. During a City Council meeting on July 6, 2026, the council voted not to discuss the project. Two and a half years of work, thousands of dollars spent, and now they can’t discuss the project. All because I started asking questions.
Lifewise Academy has teams of lawyers. Local representation, First Liberty Institute, and the Alliance for Defending Freedom have all provided legal support to Lifewise. Thousands of dollars in local donations have been used for the Woodburn project. The project had a $40,000 budget according to the plans submitted to the county. Lifewise Academy takes a portion of all donations. The corporation has already received its cut of the money. If the project fails, it does not impact the national office.
Released time programs have been ruled legal. Lifewise beats the drum that the programs are legal as long as three rules are followed. 1. Off school property. 2. Privately funded. 3. Parent approved. Lifewise fails to educate the public and, clearly, its own staff, about what the Supreme Court ruled.
“The government must be neutral when it comes to competition between sects….
… We sponsor an attitude on the part of government that shows no partiality to any one group and that lets each flourish according to the zeal of its adherents and the appeal of its dogma.”
Zorach v. Clauson (1952)
Governments must be neutral. Religious groups can operate released time programs and purchase land to build classrooms adjacent to school buildings. They cannot receive public land or buildings free of charge. The government, using its time and resources to facilitate the construction of religious facilities on public property, violates the law. Not only did it violate the law, but it also wasted local donations.
To understand what the City of Woodburn was doing for Lifewise Academy, watch all City Council meetings in which the topic was discussed. This is only what was publicly discussed. Public record requests are still pending. The full scope is still unknown.
If you see something, speak up.