🚨 LifeWise fundraiser in an elementary school cafeteria — for a trip to the Ark Encounter.
A flyer circulating in the community shows LifeWise Academy hosting a “Pancakes & Pajamas” fundraiser inside the Continental Elementary cafeteria on March 14.
According to the flyer, the event is raising money to send 6th grade students to the Ark Encounter — the Kentucky attraction operated by Answers in Genesis that promotes young-earth creationism and rejects mainstream science education.
A few details here are worth noting.
The flyer describes the meal as a “suggested donation of $10” — but then offers $2 off if you wear pajamas.
At that point, it begins to look less like a donation and more like a set price for a meal.
More importantly, the event is being held inside a public elementary school cafeteria.
When outside organizations are allowed to use public school facilities — particularly during the school year — schools are supposed to apply neutral access policies. That means the same opportunity should be available to any community group, not just those with close ties to the district.
Events like this raise reasonable questions:
• Is this space being rented like any other outside group would rent it?
• Are other community organizations allowed to hold fundraising events in the cafeteria?
• Is the district applying its facility policies consistently?
Programs like LifeWise often describe themselves as “separate” from the school.
But when fundraisers happen inside school buildings and involve students from the school community, the lines can quickly blur.
Public schools exist to educate students from all backgrounds and beliefs. Maintaining clear boundaries helps ensure that no religious program receives special access or preferential treatment within public school facilities.
What people are saying:
- Secular Education Association: Just to clarify one detail people may miss in the flyer:
The fundraiser is listed as taking place inside the Continental Elementary cafeteria, a public school building.
- Secular Education Association: The event flyer states the fundraiser is being held inside the Continental Elementary cafeteria to raise money for students to visit the Ark Encounter.
Do other community groups have the same access to hold fundraisers inside school buildings?
If anyone knows the district’s facility policy, drop it here.
- Facebook User: Secular Education Association maybe this will help. https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/5902/pirate_facility_rental_form_updated2025_1_1.pdf
- Facebook User: I’m very concerned about the moral instruction and lifewise academy. Ive already met with my principal, school board member and daughters teacher. How can I get more connected with others that are concerned and taking action.
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User please join our private community! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CKPRwRgnN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
There are over 9,000 other concerned community members from all over the country there. We can help connect you with anyone local fighting as well.
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User please join our private community! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CKPRwRgnN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Facebook User: Ah yes, nothing like the educational merit of The Ark Encounter 😂😂😂 school should not allow the fundraiser for that reason alone!
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User You’re not alone in questioning the educational value there…👀
The Ark Encounter promotes young-earth creationism and rejects mainstream science, which is why many educators have raised concerns about schools being connected to trips there.That’s part of why we’re asking how school facilities are being used in this case.
- Secular Education Association: Facebook User You’re not alone in questioning the educational value there…👀
- Facebook User: I’d love to go to the Ark Encounter but only if I could get in free. I bet it’s hilarious.
Isn’t there another one of those Jesus Riding Dinosaurs museums in Northern Kentucky? With special effects and everything?
- Facebook User: Keep religion out of our public schools. Separation of Church and State!
- Facebook User: This really pisses me off
- Facebook User: You have no educational gualifications to do anything in our schools stay out of
- Facebook User: Stop the KKKristian grooming.
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