History
The Wake-Eden Christian Academy was organized in
January 1976 as a community service ministry of the
Wake-Eden Community Baptist Church. The Academy was
founded in response to parents’ demand for a safe and
supportive learning environment for their children. At that
time, it was known as the Wake-Eden Community Baptist
Chapel Nursery School. Despite the difficulties, a small
volunteer staff was willing to work hard, and so they did.
With no financial resources, little equipment and, “cold
bare walls”, the doors were opened on January 6, 1976
with an enrollment of only 5 students. By the end of June
1976, 11 students were enrolled and 4 students were
graduating. This humble beginning set a tone and
precedence of excellence that continues to be a hallmark of
this institution.
Overtime, staff was employed, including a qualified
Educational Director. This group began by designing a
holistic curriculum comprising of lesson plans, social
development, spiritual development, outdoor activities,
and special annual programs. In June 1977, 16 students
graduated. Parents were excited and began to get more
involved with their children’s schooling by forming a
parent and teacher association. This parent and teacher
association was instrumental in changing the name of the
school to what we know it as today, The Wake-Eden
Christian Academy (WECA). In 1983 the Academy Board
was established and continues to oversee the operation of
the Academy to this day.
Eventually, a school choir was formed and the group
of students selected to be members became known as the
Starlets. The Starlets sang at places such as Nursing
Homes, The Metropolitan New York Baptist Association,
Wake-Eden Community Baptist Church services, the
Bronx Baptist Church, the Festival at the Felt Forum
Madison Square Garden, The Bronx Division of the
Council of Churches of the City of New York, The Annual
meeting of the Bronx Division of the National Urban
League, the National Night Out Against Crime during the
term of Mayor David Dinkins, and many other events. The
Starlets continue to perform at programs, such as the
Christmas Concert, PTA fundraisers, Spring Concerts and,
our annual Graduation Ceremony.
With the success of the pre-school and kindergarten
program, an expansion was undertaken which led to the
addition of our Elementary school education (grades 1
through 3), which was later expanded upon to create room
for our 4th and 5th grade classes. A Summer Camp program
and a 10-month After Care Enrichment program complete
what we currently offer.