Carroll Middle School, which was once Lumberton Middle School, was constructed in 1980 and housed grades four through six. In 1985 fourth graders were reassigned to the five elementary schools.

Effective June 30, 1987 Lumberton Middle School was renamed L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School in honor of a former superintendent. The physical plant in which L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School operates is composed of three houses which at that time served approximately one thousand fifth, sixth, and seventh graders.

Under the leadership of Jerry Long, Carroll Middle School rapidly progressed as a middle school. Three assistant principals help to aid in the daily operation of the school. Each grade level consisted of four to six individual teams. Each team was responsible for scheduling their core classes.

From 2001 to 2003 the school was under the leadership of Dr. Penny Britt. The school kept its teams in each grade level. Some new ones were developed. The school became known as the "Golden Knights". School colors were brought into play with a knight as a mascot.

In 2003 - 2004, the school fell under the leadership of James B. Coleman. L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School serves all fifth and sixth grade students who reside within the city limits of Lumberton, North Carolina. The school also takes in a growing number of students from outlying areas who have obtained special permission to attend the school due to parent choice or special needs.

Now that the school houses only two grade levels, the student population is approximately seven hundred and contains a diverse student body. Five neighborhood schools serve as feeder schools to Carroll Middle. It is here that many students encounter different cultures for the first time in their school careers. The student body ranges from government supported housing to palatial estates. Parents are equally diverse in their chosen professions, careers and sources of income.

In 2004 - 2005, the school again inherited new leadership. Mrs. Tina Coleman was brought on board as the new principal, and with her came a sense of stability. At this time she has been with us for the past four years. Under her leadership, many changes have come about. Our grade levels are no longer teams. The fith and sixth grades are self-contained. We have seen a new group of teachers come in. We have also seen physical changes in the school. We now show our school colors on our walls, with fresh new murials. We have a newly remodeled gym and media center and we are sure there is more to come.

In 2011 - 2012, the school fell under the leadership of Melinda Sellers. For the first year of her term the school continued to house the fifth and six grade students. Grade levels were broken down in to two teacher teams. Then in 2013 -2014 we welcomed the the fourth grade back onto our campus. This group added about one hundred fifty students to our campus. While our fifth and six grade classes were in teams, our fourth grade classes were self-contained.

In 2017 - 2019, we welcomed another leader, Mr. Anthony Britt, to the campus of L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School. We continue to house fourth, fifth and six graders. Our numbers are running about 700 or more students.

In 2019 - 2020, we welcome Christopher Burton and Joshua Locklear to Carroll Middle School serving 4th and 5th grade students. Carroll Middle School Knights will be the new feeder school for W.H. Knuckles, Rowland Norment, Tanglewood and Hargrave elementary students.

...to be continued.