JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A national nonprofit plans to bring a program to Duval County Schools that would allow public school students to leave campus once a week for Bible classes during the school day.

LifeWise Academy, a Christian nonprofit, runs similar “released-time religious instruction” programs across the country. Duval would become the latest district to host the program, which leaders say could begin as early as September or October.

According to LifeWise Duval program director Rhianna Sanford, the classes would be optional, last between 35 and 45 minutes, and take place once a week. Students could either walk to a nearby LifeWise site or be transported by buses provided by the organization. Sanford says LifeWise will provide the drivers, insurance and assume liability for safety.

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