A school in Ohio is set to offer a new religious program for elementary-age children that centres on Satanic studies.
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A parent at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville, Ohio, is said to have requested the new, optional program, in direct response to an optional Christian program that already exists at the school, WCMH reported.
LifeWise, the current Christian-based program, has been in effect since September 2024 and takes place off school property for about an hour each week during regular school days.
June Everett, an ordained minister for The Satanic Temple and the temple’s After School Satan Club campaign director, told the outlet that a parent sought out her program, the Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) as an alternative to LifeWise, claiming students who do not attend sometimes feel left out.
Everett doesn’t want LifeWise to shut down but believes people have misconceptions about her church.
“We aren’t worshipping the devil and sacrificing babies and using blood. It’s actually the opposite,” she said, explaining that the church is based on principles like “acting with compassion and empathy,” “respecting other’s freedoms” and “aligning belief with scientific fact.”
The Satanic Temple’s programming includes “self-directed learning, good works in the community, compassion and empathy, problem-solving skills, creative expression, critical thinking, inspirational guest speakers and tons of fun!” according to a statement on the Satanic Temple’s Facebook page.
The temple also shared that the HAIL program will take place once a month off school property during regularly scheduled classes.
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It also notes that the activity “is not approved or sponsored by the school district or the school board.”
Joel Penton, Lifewise CEO and founder, told the outlet that his Christian program isn’t fearful of other organizations offering (religious instruction),” adding, “We believe all families should have the opportunity to choose religious study during school hours and we trust parents to make the best choice for their children.”
Enrolment for both religious programs are available online for Marysville parents.