The history of Lumberton City Schools is typical of most rural southeastern North Carolina communities. The first grade school in Lumberton began operation September 17, 1906. It encompassed grades one through eleven. The first class was graduated in 1910.

During the early 1900s the school system expanded into East Lumberton and culminated with the high school building in 1915-1916. In 1924 it became necessary to build another high school.

In 1936 the school term was extended to nine months. Various buildings were remodeled, added to, or built with the help of the Works Progress Administration. The Joe P. Moore School was a result of this period. In 1944 the schools were approved by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

Development of the educational system for blacks during those early years paralleled that of the white system, yet it developed more slowly. Thompson Institute and Redstone Academy were eventually taken over by the city school system. In 1948,the J.H. Hayswood School was built by the county, and was annexed to the city school system.

Merger

In 1969 according to the Federal guidelines, the two systems in Lumberton were merged into one. Lumberton High School was erected in 1964-1965. The growth of the school system and the community dictated a new pattern of school organization with the high school being grades ten through twelve. Students moved into the new Senior High School Building in February 1966.

A bill requiring a vote on merger was introduced in the state legislature in the summer of 1987. The bill passed both houses and a public referendum was held on March 8, 1988. It was determined that merger of all schools in Robeson County would take place.

The F-wing addition was completed in 1988-90. The construction of the G-wing was completed in 2000, which allowed for an organizational change of adding ninth graders to the school.

Community Pride

Lumberton High School is a center of focus for the Lumberton community. The school family is proud of its roots and recognizes its responsibility to provide positive direction for the community it serves. Therefore, great pride is taken to offer a welcoming and professional appearance for all who enter the campus. Many things enhance the appearance of the campus. Pirate Pride banners adorn the light poles leading to the main entrance. Paintings and murals have been added to the main building and to the athletic complexes, highlighting the versatility and the prowess of the Pirate athletes.

An electronic marquee informs the community of coming events. Every major entrance to campus welcomes visitors with slogans of community pride. Great pride is also taken in the maintenance of the grounds. Many pieces of equipment have been purchased, ranging from mowers to blowers in an effort to enhance the community's pride in its high school. A dedicated and hard working staff put in many hours to keep the grounds and buildings clean and neat.

Student involvement also contributes to the appearance of the school. Many of the clubs and organizations care for the grounds or provide other services to the campus. The Agriculture students germinate, cultivate, plant and tend many of the flower beds that decorate and beautify the campus. New planters were added to the front entrance last spring. Through the combined energies and efforts of the administrators, faculty, staff and students, the community is able to take great Pirate Pride in the appearance of Lumberton High School.