LifeWise Academy Sees Revenue Climb to $39M Amid Expansion, But Profits Narrow
A LifeWise Academy bus. The Hilliard-based program now operates in 34 states. (Photo by Megan Henry / Ohio Capital Journal)
HILLIARD, Ohio — LifeWise Academy, a rapidly expanding provider of off-campus religious instruction for public school students, reported a significant rise in revenue alongside a sharp drop in net profit for the last fiscal year, according to a recent IRS filing analyzed by the Ohio Capital Journal.
The organization raised over $39.2 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year, up nearly $4 million from the prior year. The bulk of its funding, more than $34.4 million, came from contributions and grants. However, net profit fell to approximately $11.1 million, a decrease of about $6 million, as expenses surged to $28.1 million.
The financial snapshot comes amid aggressive growth for the non-denominational Christian program, which pulls students from their regular school day for Bible lessons. LifeWise now operates in over 260 of Ohio's 607 school districts, a 62.5% increase within the state in 2025 alone. Nationally, it serves 60,000 students across 32 states with ambitions to reach 100,000 by 2026.
This expansion has been facilitated by a shift in Ohio law. As of April, school districts in the state are now required to have a religious release time policy if requested by parents, moving beyond merely permitting it. LifeWise founder and CEO Joel Penton testified in support of the legislation. The nonprofit reported spending $208,000 on lobbying efforts last fiscal year.
"The figures on our Form 990 reflect the collective growth and donor support across nearly 1,000 local programs," a LifeWise spokesperson stated. "While the total may seem large, the average per account is modest and directly fuels local Bible education where parents are choosing to partner with us."
The program's model, which relies on private funding and parental permission for off-site instruction, was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1952 Zorach v. Clauson case. At least 12 states have similar mandates for districts to offer release time.
Despite its growth, LifeWise remains controversial. Some parents have reported their children facing social ostracization or bullying for opting out of the program. The organization's financial growth is mirrored in its operational scale: it employed 1,329 people and utilized over 10,000 volunteers last year, with a salary payroll that jumped by $8 million to $18 million.
Executive compensation also saw increases. Chief Operating Officer Steve Clifton was the highest-paid employee at nearly $200,000 in total reportable compensation. CEO Joel Penton received total compensation of roughly $120,000.
The organization solidified its footprint with a move to a new, renovated 24,000-square-foot headquarters in Hilliard in 2025, a former aquatic facility purchased for $2.8 million.
Community Voices
David Chen, Parent & School Board Member (Columbus, OH): "The numbers speak to a massive mobilization of resources. As a board member, my concern is ensuring the opt-in process is truly neutral and that no child feels pressured or left out. The financial transparency is a good step."
Reverend Sarah Miller, Community Church Pastor (Cleveland, OH): "It's encouraging to see such robust support for voluntary religious education. LifeWise fills a gap for families who want this foundation for their children, and its growth is a direct response to community demand."
Alexis Rivera, Education Advocate & Former Teacher (Toledo, OH): "This is alarming. Millions are being funneled into pulling kids out of academic instruction for sectarian teaching, aided by a law they lobbied for. The profit drop? It's being reinvested in a massive infrastructure push to reach even more kids. Public schools should be for inclusive, secular learning for all."
Mark Jenkins, Small Business Owner & Donor (Hilliard, OH): "I donate because I believe in the program's values. Seeing the revenue grow tells me I'm not alone. It's a sound investment in character education for the next generation."
Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry for more updates.