Frequently Asked Questions

A Christian Learning Center (or CLC) is name for the local organization that provides the “released time religious education” classes for public high school students.  CLC is the common name around the state and most add the name of the school to the beginning (i.e., Parkview CLC), although it is sometimes known by the students as simply “the Bible class”.

They say they come to learn more about the Bible, to discuss concerns unique to life as a teenager today, to be with people who care for them, and to enjoy the family atmosphere of an off-campus class.

CLC programs produce results (link to “testimonies”), whether dramatic or low-key. They naturally provide encouragement and guidance, which has helped many young people to make it through the day.  The students begin to understand a book (the Bible) that may have been regarded as impossible to figure out, and they begin to read their Bibles.  Parents often report improved relationships with the students.  Sometimes students are rescued from life crises.  Quite a few have made significant spiritual decisions, some have been called to go into full-time ministry, and many have found a new purpose for their lives.

CLC classes have a knack of building a trust relationship between the teachers and the students.  For example, students respect the fact that they are treated with dignity and that their questions are answered.  As a result they are willing to hear the truth, and life-change occurs when they respond.

Class begins with prayer, then the teacher leads the students through the day’s lesson plan which could include a lecture, discussion, group projects, video, etc.

There are many courses to choose from.  Here are a few: New Testament Survey, Leadership and the Old Testament, Comparative Religions, and Following Jesus...A Christian Worldview.

Yes.  There are several ways to accomplish this, and it depends on the school board’s decision, but in the end, students will receive elective credit for the class.

You don’t have to, but you may want to.  Through a partnership with either Georgia Community Learning Center or Metro Atlanta Youth For Christ, they can provide the organizational support you will need.

It begins with a group of citizens who have a heart for students and their spiritual development, who must then seek the Lord to guide them.  CoreFoundations has the expertise to coach (link to “ how do i start a clc in my community?” page) them, but only if they are dependent upon God’s timing and direction. Get in touch with us and we can help.

From concerned individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups in the local community served by that program.  In other words, from people with a heart for the community’s kids.

That depends on how you choose to set-up the program.  If you can find a host for the classes and volunteers to teach, then there would be minimal expenses.  Some programs have a their own property and full-time staff, and therefore need to raise a significant amount of money.

Yes, that you don’t “entangle” your public school personnel.  They must remain neutral toward the CLC.  They can allow students to go off campus, but they can’t promote it for you.

They walk, if safe, or the program transports them with a bus or van.  This depends on where the classes will be held in relation to the school.

By using pre-existing curricula developed by accredited private schools, who monitor to make sure the curricula are taught as designed.

By word of mouth from other students, internet opportunities, churches, signs, and so on.  The students themselves may pass out flyers to other students.  The public school itself must not promote the program.

When students register for classes they may opt to take a CLC class as one of their electives. The registration procedure varies from school to school and the CLC must adapt.