Wilcox Academy was founded in 1970 as a segregation academy. The school's enrollment boomed in the 1970s as white parents withdrew their children from public schools. As of the early 2000s, some white parents were beginning to send their children to public schools because they were dissatisfied with Wilcox Academy's ability to provide quality academic programs with shrinking enrollment. The Wilcox Academy chairman declined comment on academic performance comparisons with public schools, stating that he "see no advantage for us revealing any information for public consumption."
Demographics
As of 1990, no black students had ever attended the school. In 2015-16, no black students attend. Of 278 non-prekindergarten students enrolled in the 2011-2012 school year, 276 were white. The 2012 demographic profile of Wilcox County, showed the population as 27.4% white and 71.8% black.
Extracurricular
The Junior Beta Club consists of students in grades 6 through 8, while the Senior Beta Club is made up of students from grades 9 through 12. An annual induction ceremony is held during fall semester. Eligibility for membership depends on a student having maintained a B semester average in all courses for two consecutive semesters and approval from 2 of 3 of their teachers. All Senior Beta Club members must be enrolled in advanced classes. The Junior Beta Sponsor is Mrs. Fran McGraw and the Senior Beta Sponsor is Ms. Rebecca Malone. During March the academy hosts its own Art Show awarding prizes for students' arts and craft. The academy has both a Junior and a Senior High Scholars Bowl Team. Nine Wilcox Academy students were selected to serve as Ambassadors for the 2012-2013 Page Program, assisting the Chamber of Commerce in local events and helping promote Wilcox County throughout the year.
Deer and Turkey Hunts
Wilcox Academy has a six hundred plus member organization which holds two benefit hunts each year. The Turkey Hunt, normally held the end of March or early April, began in 1971 and was followed by the Gun Deer Hunt in 1985, which is held in early January.
