RTBE was first initiated in the United States in 1914. Today, approximately 1,000 Released Time Programs are in operation, ranging from kindergarten to high school, with more than 350,000 students enrolled.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 1952 (Zorach v. Clauson 343 U.S. 306) held that RTBE is constitutional if:

• Classes are held off school premises/property.

• Students have parental consent to attend.

• Classes are privately funded.

The legality of RTBE recognizes and reinforces parents’ constitutionally protected right to direct their children’s religious education. RTBE allows all children to be released fro school time for off-campus attendance at all religious classes of their choice.

We want to be an asset to churches in our area, and we hope that RTBE will empower your child to be a witness for Christ in their school and invite their friends to join them in RTBE class.

School Ministries of Rock Hill and RTBE will help students intellectually understand Christianity and teach them how to apply it in their lives.