HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- LifeWise Academy has surpassed its goals for the 2024 school year, and it has no intention of slowing down. According to the Impact Report released this month, LifeWise is working with more than 600 schools this school year, offering biblical education to over 40,000 stud ents. The Hilliard-based organization offers Christian instruction during the school day to public students with parental permission under religious release time policies. See previous reporting on LifeWise in the video player above. “We’re proud of LifeWise staff, volunteers and supporters for the remarkable success we’ve had in making Bible-based character education accessible to thousands of kids across the country," LifeWise CEO and founder Joel Penton said. 'Given Name Act' would restict names, pronouns in schools LifeWise entered the 2024 school year hoping to reach 425 schools, so Penton and Vice President of Advancement Derek Stemen were excited to announce the 600 milestone. The pair hosted a state of the ministry webinar in February where they unveiled LifeWise's 2025 theme: Coast to Coast. LifeWise celebrated other milestones too, including the release of its documentary, "Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State." According to LifeWise, the documentary follows the "historic removal of the Bible from public education" and calls audiences to help reinstate religion in secular government. The film was viewed by a member of the Secular Education Association, which was still named Parents Against LifeWise when member Sarah Paulett attended a screening in Ohio. She said the film was "ethnocentric, racist and factually inaccurate" in its portrayal of American history. LifeWise and the Secular Education Association interacted many times in 2024, including through a copyright lawsuit after the group's founder published curricula online. Despite community pushback, LifeWise was still able to expand from 340 schools in 15 states in 2023 to its end of 2024 numbers. Not just DEI: Seven things to know about Ohio's sweeping higher ed bill As part of its key initiatives, LifeWise applauded legislation across three states, including Ohio, that passed laws ensuring public schools implement religious release policies. Ohio's new law mandating religious release policies goes into effect April 9. “We’re also thankful to the families and schools who have brought LifeWise to their communities," Penton said. "They have consistently told us that Bible education has made a tremendous difference in their children’s lives, including improving their behavior and their academic performance." Financially the group also had a successful year, doubling its revenue in 2024. According to the Impact Report, LifeWise spent just over $18 million last year, one-third to its "vision fund" and two-thirds to "program funds." LifeWise said vision expenses cover growth costs, like marketing, growth initiatives and staff in proactive roles. Program funds cover current operations, including pay for local chapter staff, transportation from public schools and supplies. LifeWise’s financial report for fiscal year 2024 shows five employees make more than $100,000 per year. Four of them are listed as part of the organization’s eight-person leadership team: NAMETITLESALARYJoel Penton*CEO/President$111,824Steve Clifton*COO/CFO/Secretary/Vice President$183,532Derek Stemen*Vice President of Advancement$113,381Jeffrey Peterson*Vice President of Operations$101,800Kurt SnedecorDirector of Strategic Partnerships$100,500*Denotes a member of the leadership team The remaining leadership are Sara Spath (Vice President of Program Health), Nate Lundquist (Vice President of Creative), Emily Warner (Vice President of IT) and Jesse Vohwinkel (Vice President of Growth). Ohio group asks U.S. Supreme Court to allow student opt outs for LGBT+ lessons The report also celebrated LifeWise’s new headquarters, where construction is nearing completion. LifeWise unveiled the headquarters' floor plan earlier this year, which includes a number of rooms and workspaces. According to site plans, the building has six primary spaces: Reception offices for visitors and program leaders arriving for training sessions Tressel Coaching Hall, named for Penton's former football coach at Ohio State, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, will be an event space large enough for 300 people Smaller workspaces, including conference rooms and a coworking space for casual use Executive offices A multimedia studio to film movies and media appearances A patio for outdoor use The LifeWise Skestos Center is asking for large sponsorships for portions of the building, offered as "giving opportunities." These include $250,000 for a prayer room and $10,000 per event patio picnic table. Personalized patio bricks are also for sale, ranging from $250 to $1,000. Although LifeWise surpassed its 2024 goals, the organization said it has no intention of slowing down. LifeWise said it hopes to be in 10% of U.S. schools by 2030 and more than 90% within the next 35 years.  “We look forward to advancing our mission to make Bible-based character education available to every child,” Penton said. ...read more read less