What is Released-time?

Oregon law recognizes that a child's education, including religious education, is the parent's responsibility. In line with this, the law allows for children in public schools to be released from school each week, while school is in session, to receive religious instruction.

However, the religious teaching must be off campus, or before or after school. If held during the school day, it must occur during the allowed 120 minutes per week. Classes are usually held at a church close to the school.

Students are allowed by law to make up any work that is missed at school. A report from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency found that children in released-time classes did as well or better academically than their classmates who do not attend.

What are the benefits? The program reinforces the school's existing efforts to help children grow to cherish and care for themselves and others. Curriculum teaches Judeo-Christian values such as honesty, compassion, integrity and loyalty. Human worth and dignity is also being taught, as-well-as basic social skills needed to function productively in our society.

Any child may attend with written permission from a parent/guardian. Released-time classes are held throughout the state of Oregon. The PREP4Kids organization oversees released-time in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. If there is not a class in your area, the PREP4Kids Staff will work with you to help start a class.

Released-time is permitted in all 50 states! To see where it currently operates throughout the country, visit http://www.rtce.org/ and http://www.releasedtime.org/.

What PREP Kids Are Saying

"Now that I go to PREP I know a lot more about God. I used to say, 'Oh my god' all the time, but now I don't say it at all. I really like PREP because I'm learning about God and I'm learning stuff I never knew before. So that's why I like PREP!"
--Charvonna, 5th grade

"Something I learned about PREP is about Jesus and God. How we sinned and that he died on the cross for us. I really love PREP and I always can't wait till it's Wednesday."
--Anna, 5th grade

"I love PREP. I go to church every other Sunday and PREP fills in for what I might have missed. I like PREP because I get to learn about God and I have time to worship Him"
--Ashleigh, 4th grade

"I really like how nice all the teachers are. This year I have learned Satan's name is Lucifer, which means Morning Star ... I like how you are teaching us Genesis!"
--Jordan, 5th grade

"PREP to me is about getting to know God more and his commands, [and for] other people to get to know him. I have learned so many things in PREP. Like about Paul, Silas and a lot more. PREP has been so fun to me and I am definitely going to bring more people."
--Kevin, 6th grade

"I like PREP because I like reading stories in my Bible and singing songs and my teacher, and learning about Jesus and God. That's why I like PREP."
--Leslie, 3rd grade(Leslie accepted Jesus into her heart and life in PREP class on 4-4-07)

"I like PREP because I can't go to church and I get to learn about God here."
--Kathryn, 6th grade

"What I like about PREP is that I liked to learn about the life of Paul...I think PREP has encouraged me to do better in school and do the right things. I love PREP!"
--Natalie, 5th grade

"So far PREP has been very fun. Everyone is so nice! I have learned about God and how He is always there for you. I wish I started going when school started. Since I have been going, I trust in God more. It seems like I do braver things because I know God is with me."
--Lindsey, 5th grade

Welcome to the Blog for PREP4Kids!

What is PREP4Kids?

PREP4Kids is a non-profit ministry that has operated in the greater-Portland, Oregon area for 22 years. PREP's mission is to help children/youth and their families find purpose and direction in life through the study of God's Word.

PREP volunteers teach Bible classes for 20 schools in the tri-county area of Portland. Volunteers fill out an application and background check with three references.

What are the benefits?

Parents can intervene in their child's education where the public school system is lacking. Teaching students Biblical Truths will contribute to the character development of the child and as a result, the moral health of our nation.

We often see children's religious beliefs being compartmentalized and privatized as they move into a public school setting. God as Creator and Sovereign Lord of all of life is taught in PREP4Kids classes as a living reality in their daily school lifestyles.

Students tell us they enjoy meeting new friends and worshipping with their Christian friends at school.

How does it work?

Parents fill out and sign a permission form and return it to the school office. Students are then eligible to attend class. PREP volunteers pick up the forms each week at the school. Students are excused at the appropriate time and walk or are driven to the class site.

Volunteers teach Bible lessons, lead singing, help students memorize verses in many creative ways using skits, art projects, contests, games, worksheets, etc. Then they walk or drive students back to school, where they are dismissed to return home from school by their regular transportation.

Classes are held once a week, usually in the afternoon.

For more information on PREP4Kids visit our website at http://www.prep4kids.org/.