The Ledger

Submitted by Bleckley Christian Learning Center

The Bleckley Christian Learning Center is celebrating 10 years of serving students in Bleckley County through elective biblical education.

Founded on July 11, 2016, by a group of citizens representing ten different churches, the program began with just two high school classes and two seventh-grade classes. The following year, it expanded to include all middle school grades, and in 2022, elementary students were added, beginning with the fifth grade.

The Bleckley Christian Learning Center operates as part of a program known as Released Time Education. This allows students to be released from their regular school schedule to attend Bible classes off-campus and then return to continue their academic day. Upon completion of each course, students receive one elective credit toward middle or high school graduation.

The legality of Released Time Education was recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1952 case Zorach v. Clauson, affirming the constitutionally protected right of parents to direct the religious education of their children. Participation in the program is voluntary.

To remain in compliance with legal requirements, three criteria must be met: classes must be held during regular school hours but off-campus, students must have written parental permission, and no government funds may be used.

BCLC follows strict guidelines to meet these requirements. There is no cost for students to attend, as the program is entirely privately funded and receives no public funding. Parents must also sign transportation permission forms for students to ride with BCLC.

Homeschooled students enrolled in an accredited program are eligible to participate under guidelines outlined in the BCLC Policy Manual; however, parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from classes.

Current middle school faculty includes Sarah Kitchens and Jamie Davis. Kelly Hitchcock serves as the high school teacher and also teaches the elementary Bible Basics class. Teacher assistants include Jolie Kate Williams (middle school) and Ryan McWhorter (high school and elementary). Substitute teachers are Brian Beck and Daniel DeMarra.

Middle school classes are held at Bethany Baptist Church, while high school and elementary classes take place at Faith Baptist Church. First Baptist Church provides the use of a bus for transportation.