Will Smith's School Denies Scientology Links 6/30/08

Bosses at a school funded by Hollywood actor Will Smith have denied students are to be given lessons in Scientology.

The Independence Day star is a close friend of outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise and was recently forced to deny rumors he too has enrolled in the Church of Scientology.

And Smith, who has founded the New Village Academy in Los Angeles along with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, was also rumored to have instructed teachers at his new school to preach the controversial faith to pupils.

But academy director Jacqueline Olivier has denied the allegations - insisting the school will not focus on any religion in particular.

She says, "We are a secular school, and just like all nonreligious independent schools, faculty and staff do not promote their own religions at school or pass on the beliefs of their particular faith to children." The school is due to open in September (08).