Off campus, with parent permission, and privately funded. Here’s how release-time works for students in Scioto County.
Students stay enrolled in public school
What is a release-time program?
A release-time program allows students to leave public school for a designated period during the school day to receive religious instruction at an off-campus location, with parental permission.
Compass School Ministries provides Bible-based instruction to students in Scioto County, Ohio, helping them learn God’s Word and apply biblical truth to their everyday lives. Through partnerships with local churches, volunteers, and donors, we offer students the opportunity to grow in their faith while remaining enrolled in public school.
Compass coordinates with each participating district on schedules and procedures, while keeping religious instruction separate from school-funded activities.
How it works
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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.
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02
Released at lunch & recess
We schedule with each district so students never miss a core subject, and they aren’t marked absent.
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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.
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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.
ORC § 3313.6022
Compass School Ministries operates under Ohio Revised Code § 3313.6022, which governs released-time courses in religious instruction.
- Students must have written parent or guardian consent.
- No public funds are used, and no public school staff provide the religious instruction.
- Students aren’t counted absent and are never released from a core subject.
What is Compass School Ministries?
Compass School Ministries is a release-time Bible program serving students in Scioto County, Ohio. Our mission is to educate, equip, and encourage students through biblical teaching, helping them grow in their understanding of God’s Word and apply it to everyday life.
Does Compass work with public schools?
Yes! Compass coordinates with participating school districts to establish schedules and procedures for students to attend Bible instruction. Compass operates independently, and religious instruction is provided off campus.
Is Compass funded by public schools?
No. Compass is privately funded through donations, local churches, businesses, and community supporters. These contributions help cover curriculum, transportation, supplies, and program expenses.
Who can participate?
Students in participating schools and grade levels may attend with the required parental permission. Availability depends on the school district and the program offered at each location.
Will my child be marked absent?
No. Under Ohio law, a student attending a released time course is not considered absent from school.
Is release-time legal in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio Revised Code § 3313.6022 allows public school students to attend released-time courses in religious instruction during the school day. Students need written parent or guardian consent, classes meet off school property, and no public funds or school staff are used.
What do students learn?
Students learn biblical truths, explore Scripture, understand the gospel, and discover how God’s Word applies to their daily lives. Lessons are designed to encourage spiritual growth and Christlike character.
Which schools does Compass serve?
In the 2026–2027 school year, Compass serves Northwest Elementary and Northwest High School (Northwest Local), West Portsmouth Elementary (Washington-Nile Local), and Minford Elementary and Minford Middle School (Minford Local), all in Scioto County, Ohio. Grades vary by school, from 3rd grade through 12th grade.
Does it cost anything to attend?
Compass is supported by private donations and community partnerships. Contact us for current participation details and any program-specific requirements.
How can Compass come to my school district?
We would love to explore opportunities to serve additional communities! Contact Compass School Ministries to discuss school district coordination, church partnerships, volunteers, and the steps needed to establish a program.