Alderson Junior High was opened in September, 1961. The school was built to house around 800 students and was expanded with facilities for science, art, homemaking, fine arts, administrative offices, library, gym auditorium and cafeteria that would accommodate 1,000 students.

Alderson was constructed to serve students in northeast Lubbock with seventh, eight, and ninth grades and was the first air conditioned school in Lubbock. Alderson has undergone several grade level changes during its history. Alderson remained a Junior High from 1961-2001. From 2001-2005, the grade level changed to accommodate elementary grades. It became known as Alderson Academy. The Board of Trustees made the decision to establish middle schools in the city and Alderson Academy became Alderson Middle School. Alderson became a pilot school for the district to initiate the middle school concept in Lubbock. For one year, Alderson had the status of being one of the two middle schools in the city of Lubbock.

Alderson was named to honor W.F. Alderson, an active member of the Lubbock business community. He had many business endeavors, one of which is still operated by members of his family. He served on the LISD Board of Trustees from 1934-1946.