It was established in 1966 as a segregation academy in response to the racial integration of public schools.

Lake noted "the products of jungles" were enrolling in public education and opined that all white private schools like Wake Christian Academy "offer to our state her best hope for safe passage through perilous times.

"[7][8] In May 1970, School founder L. C. Purdy was also a leader of the local chapter of the White Citizens Council and campaigned against a public school bond issue on the grounds the funds would "be used more integration than for education".

[10] In 1973, Wake Christian Academy's tax exempt status was revoked after a federal court found that the school would not admit black students.

[11] In response to the ruling, board member L. C. Purdy commented "we are not going let the federal government dictate our admissions policies, even if it means losing our tax exempt status".