WISE and Otherwise

Most churches talk about reaching the next generation. Pastor Justin Walker built a school to do it.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Justin shares the remarkable story of launching Salt and Light Academy—a tuition-free, Christ-centered school born inside his church with zero budget, total faith, and a bold vision to reach the 57 million students in public schools.🎙️ In this episode:– How Salt and Light Academy launched from idea to reality in 7 months– Why they refuse to charge tuition—even when parents offer to pay– The church’s role in funding education without compromising the Gospel– Stories of student baptisms, family transformation, and community revival– What it really costs to run a free Christian school (and how they’re doing it)This isn’t just a story about a school. It’s a model. A movement. And a direct challenge to churches everywhere: What’s in your hand—and what’s stopping you from using it?📢 Would your church ever start a school like this? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of faith, bold leadership, and K–12 education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Salt & Light Academy: https://www.saltandlightky.org/school🔹 Connect with Pastor Justin Walker: [email protected]🔹 Visit the church website: https://www.saltandlightky.org#FaithAndEducation #SchoolChoice #TuitionFreeChristianSchool #ChristianEducation #SaltAndLightAcademy #ChurchBasedSchool #PastorLeadership #WISEAndOtherwise

For years, Jaime Beck watched her son Charlie struggle in silence—kicking, screaming, melting down before school, and coming home exhausted, ashamed, and overlooked. He was smart, creative, and full of potential—but public school didn’t know what to do with him.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaime shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s dyslexia late, navigating misdiagnoses, and feeling dismissed by the very system meant to help him. But everything changed when she found Freedom Prep—a school that didn’t just accommodate Charlie, but believed in him.🎙️ Inside this episode:– The signs she saw—and how long it took to get real answers– What public school offered (and failed to deliver)– Why dyslexia wasn’t the problem—it was the misunderstanding of it– The emotional toll on Charlie—and on Jaime as a mother– How Freedom Prep rebuilt confidence, joy, and belonging– What every parent needs to know about advocating for their childIf you’ve ever felt like your child was being left behind, this story will give you hope—and a roadmap for what’s possible.📢 Have you ever had to fight for your child to be seen? Share your story in the comments.🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories of faith, education, and courageous families.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Prep: https://freedomprepwichita.org/🔹 Connect with HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/contact🔹 Explore school options near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory

#DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolChoice #EducationThatHeals #FreedomPrep #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy

While churches send money across the globe, local Christian schools are closing their doors. What if we’ve been overlooking one of the most urgent mission fields—right in our own backyard?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Emmi McCabe sits down with Dalena Wallace, founder of HERO (Heartland Education Reformation Organization), to talk about the growing crisis in Christian education—and the bold vision to solve it.💡 Inside this conversation:– Why 75% of Christian kids leave the faith after high school– The real reason so many Christian schools are shutting down– What HERO is doing to fund faith-based education and keep it accessible– How churches, donors, and families can unite to protect the next generation– A fresh call for churches to treat Christian education as ministryThis episode is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the church, the family, and the Christian school movement.📢 Could your church be funding Christian education instead of losing the next generation? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of faith and education.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org🔹Donate to support Christian schools: https://www.heartlandhero.org/donate#ChristianEducation #SchoolChoice #ChurchAndSchool #FaithAndEducation #MissionsAtHome #HeartlandHERO #WISEAndOtherwise

In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kori Pennypacker, Executive Director of Bible2School, reveals how a little-known law called release time is making it possible to bring Bible-based education into public schools during school hours. No after-school programs. No church attendance required. Just one hour a week of Gospel-centered teaching—right in the middle of the school day.

🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How release time works (and why most Christians don’t know about it)
• The incredible stories of children who had never heard the name of Jesus
• Why public school kids are hungry for truth and hope
  
• The power of volunteers, local churches, and one hour a week
• How you can bring this program to your town

Whether you're a parent, pastor, teacher, or just passionate about reaching the next generation, this episode will surprise and inspire you.

📢 Did you know this was legal? Would you support it in your community? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories about faith, education, and bold impact.

📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Bible2School: https://www.bible2school.com/🔹 Watch the explainer video: https://cbn.com/news/us/innovative-program-teaches-public-school-kids-about-jesus-bible🔹 Start a Bible2School Program: https://www.bible2school.com/start-a-program/ 🔹 Find a Program Near You: https://www.bible2school.com/find-a-program/

#Bible2School #FaithAndEducation #PublicSchoolMinistry #ReleaseTimeLaw #ChristianParenting #SchoolChoice #WISEAndOtherwise

When Kathy Bond stepped into the world of public education, she didn’t come with a political agenda—she came with conviction. A grandmother, former ballerina, and now school board member, Kathy has one clear mission: bring truth, order, and God back into schools.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kathy shares the bold moments that led her to run for school board, including witnessing out-of-control student behavior, a system riddled with excuses, and faith being completely erased from the classroom.🎙️ What you'll hear in this episode:– The real reason she ran for school board (hint: it involves pencils)– How she faced backlash after voting “no” on a controversial policy– Why she believes public schools need more discipline and more faith– The difference she’s seen when parents speak up– What it means to lead with courage in a politically charged environmentWhether you're a parent, teacher, or concerned citizen, Kathy’s story will remind you that one person—with boldness and backbone—can still make a difference.📢 Do you believe God belongs in public education? Tell us in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more real stories of faith, leadership, and school reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Connect with Kathy Bond: [email protected]🔹 Learn more about Kathy Bond's advocacy: https://kathybondforschoolboard.com/#SchoolBoard #FaithInEducation #PublicSchoolReform #ChristianLeadership #ParentalRights #WISEAndOtherwise #EducationMatters

When schools say “You don’t belong here”—where do those kids go?In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, Chuck Knowles, PhD, founder of  @McAdamsAcademyWichitaKs  shares how a former juvenile chaplain stepped out in faith to build a school for expelled, at-risk, and court-involved youth—many of whom were completely written off by the traditional system.📘 Inside this episode:– How Chuck started with a card table, one student, and no funding– Why expulsion doesn’t mean a child is beyond redemption– The role of trauma, trust, and transformation in real education– How McAdams Academy partners with families, churches, and even judges– Why real school reform starts with reaching the most overlookedIf you’ve ever wondered what true redemptive education looks like—or whether there’s hope for the “hardest” kids—this episode will move and challenge you.📢 Do you think more schools should focus on second chances? Tell us in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more bold conversations about faith, education, and restorative leadership.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about McAdams Academy: https://www.mcadamsacademy.org/🔹 Connect with Chuck Knowles, PhD: [email protected]#AlternativeEducation #SchoolChoice #RedemptiveEducation #AtRiskYouth #McAdamsAcademy #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise

Pastor Dave Atherton didn’t have a strategy, a staff, or even a clear plan—but he did have a burden for families and a willingness to say “yes.” What followed was a series of surprising moves, divine timing, and a school that was born inside the walls of One Church at Pleasant View.

In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Dave shares how his church became home to not one, but two distinct Christian education models—a full-time micro-school and a hybrid homeschool program—both now operating as One Learning Academy. From church mergers and facility upgrades to building trust, launching a board, and empowering volunteers, this is the story of how one church stepped into the gap for local families.

🎓 Inside this conversation:
– How two schools merged into one thriving academy
– The powerful phrase that convinced the church to treat school as ministry
– What it looks like when grandparents, teachers, and pastors work together
– Why churches don’t need to be experts—they just need to be willing
– Encouragement for pastors who feel overwhelmed but called to take action

📢 What do you think? Could your church be the next to say YES to Christian education? Let us know in the comments!

🔔 Follow us for more stories of faith, education, and bold church leadership.

📌 Resources & Links:
🔹 Learn more about One Learning Academy: https://www.oladerby.com/

🔹 Connect with Pastor Dave’s church: https://www.onechurchderby.com/

#ChristianEducation #Microschools #ChurchBasedSchool #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SchoolChoice #EducationIsMinistry #PastorLeadership

When Jodi Schlesener decided to start a new school rooted in faith, family, and freedom, she knew there would be pushback. But what she didn’t expect? Being labeled a cult leader and Christian nationalist—before the doors even opened.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jodi shares her incredible journey from public school skeptic to Apogee Alpha & Omega founder. Backed by her father's legacy, a local church, and an unshakable conviction to take action, she built a microschool model that puts students—and their values—first.📘 In this powerful episode:– Why public school never felt like the right fit for her kids– The moment she knew it was time to do something– What happened when her student refused to honor false gods– How Apogee equips both children and parents to lead– The unexpected backlash—and the faithful response📢 What do you think? Should more parents take action when schools don’t reflect their values? Let us know in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more real stories of courage, conviction, and education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Apogee Alpha & Omega: https://www.apogeealphaomega.com/🔹 Find a microschool or hybrid near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory

#Apogee #SchoolChoice #FaithAndEducation #MicroSchools #ChristianEducation #ParentalRights #WISEAndOtherwise

Is it really possible to ditch the rigid school system… and still thrive?

According to bestselling author and education advocate Kerry McDonald, the answer is a joyful, resounding yes.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kerry shares insights from her life as a homeschooling mom, policy expert, and author of the upcoming book "Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling."🎓 Inside this conversation:– Why families are rejecting one-size-fits-all education– What decentralized, parent-driven schooling really looks like– How the 2020 school closures unleashed an era of innovation– The difference between joyful learning and traditional schooling– Why parents—not bureaucrats—should define what quality looks like– How YOU can start or support a microschool or hybrid model in your communityThis episode will encourage every parent, educator, and church leader who's longing for something better—and more life-giving—for the next generation.📢 Do you think joyful learning is possible for all families? Tell us in the comments!🔔 Follow us if you believe education should empower—not standardize—our children.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Preorder Kerry’s new book: Joyful Learning – https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kerry-mcdonald/joyful-learning/9781541705524/🔹 Explore edentrepreneur.org: https://edentrepreneur.org/🔹 Learn more about the HERO project: https://www.heartlandhero.org/🔹 Learn more about WISE: https://www.wisetogether.org/#JoyfulLearning #Microschools #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #SchoolChoice #ChristianEducation #KerryMcDonald #WISEAndOtherwise

When one of Stephanie Dulin’s children was found asleep and unattended for five hours in a public school classroom—and no one seemed to care—she knew something had to change. After years of being dismissed, ignored, and left out of the conversation, Stephanie took matters into her own hands.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Stephanie shares her journey from frustration to freedom. A foster and adoptive mom, a passionate advocate, and now an art teacher at Freedom Learning Academy, she opens up about:✅ The breaking point that led her to leave public school✅ Her search for academic and behavioral accountability✅ The story behind her son’s suspension—and the shocking double standard✅ What a healthy, responsive, values-driven school environment looks like✅ Why more families are leaving the system and finding something betterIf you’ve ever felt like your voice as a parent doesn’t matter—this is the episode you need to hear.📢 What do you think? Should parents have more say in how schools operate? Share your thoughts in the comments!🔔 Follow us for more real stories of school choice, faith, and educational freedom.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Learning Academy: https://freedomlearningacademy.com/🔹 Find alternative schools in your area: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory#PublicSchoolExit #SchoolChoice #ParentVoiceMatters #FaithAndEducation #FreedomLearningAcademy #WISEAndOtherwise #HomeschoolAlternative