Cedar Lake Academy was founded on December 2, 1898. During its early years it was an "industrial school". Besides the core subjects of Bible, English and Mathematics, the school also taught printing, tent-making, bookkeeping, agriculture, blacksmithing, beekeeping, food preparation and carpentry. The first twelfth grade students graduated in 1920. The 1960s and 1970s saw rapid expansion with the construction of new dormitory buildings, a new administration building and the food service complex. The elementary school is located in newer buildings along the same road and functions separately.