Religious Education
Center Point is a SACS-accredited organization. Our religion classes are offered through released-time education, a system whereby public school students, with parental consent, are released from school for the purpose of independent education—in this case, religious education.
Is It Legal?
Released-time religious education is legal. However, the same does not hold true for every program instituted by a state or local school district. In order for a program to be constitutional, certain general requirements must first be met. First, the program must avoid the use of public funds. This applies both to its implementation and to its maintenance. Second, it must exist and operate outside of the public school facilities. Third, the program should avoid being promoted, endorsed, or otherwise favored (e.g., through recruitment, registration, etc.) by the public school and its faculty.
About Our Program
Our organization was established in 1967 by four local Gainesville City churches—First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, and Saint Paul United Methodist—with the express purpose of making it possible for students at Gainesville High School (GHS) to voluntarily supplement their public education with classes in religion. This vision has not wavered. GHS students, grades 9-12, currently have the opportunity to register for a number of courses including Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, Comparative Religions, Ethics, and Media and Religion. Classrooms are located off campus, at Center Point.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: engage students in critically thinking about religion and faith and the combination of their impact on society.
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