A Brief History of 609 Ray Street
Although the Ray Street Academy program was only just established 10 years ago in 2012, the building and location itself have a very rich history. During the time of racial segregation in Alamance County, the location of what is now 609 Ray Street was once the site of Graham High School, or Graham "Negro" High School as it was referred to at the time.
From 1931-1951, Graham High School enrolled African American elementary and high school students throughout Alamance County who were not already assigned to schools in the Pleasant Grove Township or the City of Burlington. The first class to graduate from Graham High School was in 1938.
In 1951, Graham High School expanded into a new building on the site. It wasn't until 1961 that Graham High School was officially closed. The original Graham High School building remained an elementary school until 1970, while the newer, expanded building served as administrative offices for the Alamance County School System for many years.

Graham High School Floor Plan (1949)