Bring Your Bible To School Day

Bring Your Bible To School Day is observed on the first Thursday of October each year. It’s a day when Christian students across the U.S. are encouraged to bring their Bible to school openly, share what it means to them, and celebrate their freedom of religious expression under the First Amendment.

History of Bring Your Bible To School Day

This observance was founded in 2014 by the organization Focus on the Family. That first year, a few thousand students participated, and over time the event has grown, with more schools, churches, and youth groups supporting it.

It exists in part as a response to legal and cultural shifts in public schools over decades — decisions that have limited school-sponsored prayer or readings from the Bible during class time — emphasizing that students still retain a right to bring their own religious books and share faith when not disrupting instruction.

Why is Bring Your Bible To School Day important?

This day matters because it reminds students that they have rights of religious freedom and expression, even in public school settings. It gives an opportunity to exercise those rights — to share their beliefs, encourage peers, and recognize their faith as a part of who they are.

Also, it can foster understanding and dialogue. When students respectfully share their faith, it can open conversations, promote religious literacy, and build bridges between people with different beliefs. It helps reinforce that school communities are diverse and that personal faith doesn’t need to be hidden.

• because it empowers students to be open about their faith
• because it reminds people that religious expression is protected
• because it can spark gentle conversations and mutual understanding
• because it helps students feel part of a community of belief
• because noticing others’ beliefs can foster respect and diversity

How to Celebrate Bring Your Bible To School Day

If you’re a student, bring your Bible to school on that day — in your backpack, maybe read a beloved passage during free time, or share your favorite verse with a friend who’s curious.

If you’re a teacher, church leader, or youth mentor, you could organize a small gathering, distribute Scripture cards, or facilitate a respectful discussion about the meaning of faith and how belief shapes life. Just make sure to do it in a way that respects others’ freedoms and school policies.

• bring your Bible and be ready to share a verse that speaks to you
• make or give out Scripture cards with encouraging messages
• invite someone to ask questions and listen about what your faith means to you
• maybe wear something (a shirt, pin, etc.) that shows your belief subtly
• encourage others by being kind, patient, and open in conversations

Bring Your Bible To School Day Dates Table