2026–27Release-Time Bible EducationScioto County, Ohio

Compass School Ministries helps students know God’s Word, grow in their relationship with Him, and live out their faith every day.

Register a Student How release-time works
A student reading her Bible during class
With parent permission
Students celebrating together outside
Off campus, weekly
Two students smiling at lunch with a Bible on the table
Privately funded
A student raising her hand to answer a question
3rd grade to seniors
Serving students at
  • Northwest Elementary
  • Northwest High School
  • West Portsmouth Elementary
  • Minford Elementary
  • Minford Middle School
Who we are

Educate. Equip. Encourage.

Our mission is to educate, equip, and encourage students through biblical teaching, helping them know God’s Word, grow in their relationship with Him, and live out their faith in everyday life. Read the story behind our name

A release-time Bible program serving students in Scioto County, Ohio, built with families, churches, and volunteers.

Students playing a game outside while a Compass volunteer watches 68 volunteers from 32 churches
220

students registered across 4 schools this year

See our impact
What is release-time?

How it works

Students leave school for a set period during the day to learn the Bible off campus, with a parent’s permission. Ohio law allows it under ORC § 3313.6022.

  1. 01

    Parents give permission

    Families sign up online or return the form sent home. No student attends without written consent from a parent or guardian.

    A smiling Compass student
  2. 02

    Released at lunch & recess

    We schedule with each district so students never miss a core subject, and they aren’t marked absent.

    Students sharing lunch together during a Compass class
  3. 03

    Off campus, with Compass

    Students go to an approved location off school property, supervised by screened, trained volunteers. Compass, not the school, gets them there and back.

    A Compass volunteer gathered with students outside
  4. 04

    Learn God’s Word

    Lessons explore Scripture and the gospel, and how God’s Word applies to everyday life. Then students head back to class.

    A student reading her Bible during class
More about release-time & Ohio law
Our motto

Three words from a friend who lived on mission.

Before he passed in 2022, our mentor Mickey Bane preached on three words, using a compass to show how God directs, guides, and leads us. Compass is dedicated to him.

North

Upward

Growing in our relationship with God.

Center

Inward

Allowing God’s Word to shape our hearts and character.

Every direction

Outward

Living out our faith by serving and loving others.

High school students gathered around tables during a Compass class

A compass directs, guides, and leads us toward our destination.

The heart behind our name
Get involved

There’s a place for you.

Parents

Register your student

Give your child the chance to learn God’s Word during the school day, with your permission. It takes about five minutes.

Register a Student
A smiling Compass student
Volunteers

Serve with students

Teach, lead a table, help with lunch, drive, or check students in. Every volunteer is screened and trained.

Become a Volunteer
Three Compass volunteers in the ministry supply room
Churches

Partner with Compass

Pray, send volunteers, or become a monthly partner. Together we can reach more students across Scioto County.

Partner With Us
A Compass volunteer gathered with students outside
Donors

Give to Compass

Compass is funded by people like you, not by schools. Your gift covers curriculum, transportation, and supplies.

Donate
Students sharing a laugh at lunch under a Compass welcome banner

Help point the next generation to Jesus.

Register a student, serve as a volunteer, or give. Every part matters.

Donate Register a Student