The 4 Main Benefits of Released Time Bible Programs

• Posted: July 21, 2025

Ivy, a 4th grade girl in public school, was invited to a Bible2School program by her friend. Her family wasn’t connected to a church, but she was willing to try it out since her friend enjoyed it. After attending the program for a few weeks, Ivy said with wonder, “I didn’t know who God was. I just knew He was associated with a cross in some way. I’m glad Bible2School exists because I would have never accepted God into my life because I probably never would have heard about Him.” (Watch this powerful video for the rest of Ivy’s story.)

Because of this released time Bible program, Ivy had the amazing opportunity to hear about God DURING her public school day. A few months later, she and her grandmother were baptized at a local church. 

Surprisingly, many people are still unfamiliar with these types of programs and their incredible benefits for children and families. In this blog, we will explain what released time Bible programs are and give an overview of the four main benefits.

So, what are released time Bible programs?

What makes released time Bible programs, like Bible2School, unique is that they aren’t extracurricular — they take place DURING the public school day! Many people wonder how teaching the Bible to children in public school is legal. This is a fully legal elective part of the national released time rulings that ALL states recognize. Released time allows children attending public school to receive religious education of their choice during the school day.

Students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12 can walk or be bused to a nearby church or partner location during school hours. Programs last anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes, usually once a week for a set period of time during the school year. 

So, why is a Bible2School program so beneficial? Let’s break it down.

#1: Convenient for Families

Many parents are recognizing that a released time Bible program is a viable solution for their child amidst their busy calendar. Parents do not have to drop their kids off before school or pick them up after school because this program is held during school hours. The only thing parents have to do is sign a permission slip.

#2: Solid Biblical Teaching 

Parents can trust the content of what the children are learning is solid biblical teaching. At Bible2School, our curriculum is relevant, fun, and Christ-centered. 2nd graders learn about the Old Testament, 3rd graders learn about the New Testament, 4th graders learn about Discipleship, and 5th graders learn about growing in their faith.

#3. Consistent Investment into Spiritual Growth

If a child attends school consistently, they are able to attend the program consistently. Regular attendance, which is sometimes lacking in before and after school programs, translates into a consistent spiritual investment and support. Caring leaders deepen relationships weekly with kids as they become additional positive role models in their lives teaching kids about Jesus.

#4. Opens Doors to Spiritually Unconnected Friends

It’s not easy for children to invite their spiritually unconnected friends to a weekend church service. However, it is easy for a child to invite a friend to a released time Bible program that is conveniently held during the week, just like Ivy’s friend did. According to a recent Bible2School parent survey, 16% of children attended because a friend invited them. Remarkably, 17% of the children came because their parents were invited by other parents to check out the program and its benefits.

In addition to these four benefits, the eternal impact of released time Bible programs are far reaching. These programs fill a spiritual hunger in public school kids. Not only do parents see positive changes in their kids, but educators and community members are witnessing lives transformed by the Word of God as well. 

Want to see if a Bible2School program is offered in your community? Search for your local public school here. If you don’t see one listed, did you know that YOU can start one? That’s right! Together, we can start a Bible2School program in your community — DURING the public school day!