The name Pangasinan National High School, the Alma Mater of thousands of illustrious men and women, evolved from very colorful educational, political and economic scenarios of the past. Organized in 1908 and supported by the provincial government, it admitted fifth grade to first year students in rented buildings at the heart of Lingayen, the capital town. Being the first provincial school of the biggest province of Luzon, it was initially named Pangasinan High School when increased high school enrolment in the multi-grade classes paved the way to its separation from elementary school in 1920. Then in 1926 through 1927, continuing changes took effect again changing the name to Pangasinan Academic High School for the academically inclined and giving birth to Pangasinan Vocational High School for the vocationally inclined, both as autonomous units.

            The recession in 1930 aggravated by frequent typhoons which resulted to poor harvest and consequently lesser enrolments forced the fusion of the Pangasinan Academic High School and the Pangasinan Vocational High School to form the Pangasinan Secondary School, the third name shift in 1935 through 1936.

            Forming the first bulk of the teaching force were the recruited Americans from the Occupation Army during the Fil-American War and volunteers who arrived via the USS Thomas. In 1913, thirteen graduates proudly marched in the very first graduation rites.

           After the leave of absence in 1938 by Mr. Arthur Allison, the last American principal, (preceded by Messrs. Hare, Heidenrich, Abada, Wullenburg and Blackledge), Mr. Juan C. Manuel followed by Mr. Ricardo Ortega as OIC and Mr. Eufronio Malonzo, 1938 appointed principal, took charge of the school.

            In 1940, the Pangasinan Secondary School was reverted into two independent units. Pangasinan High School and the Pangasinan Trade School.

            During World War II, Pangasinan High School closed its doors and re-opened in January 1945 and was renamed Pangasinan Provincial High School until 1969 after which became Pangasinan National High School by virtue of a national legislation.

            Postwar principal included Messrs. Eduardo Edralin, Angel Fermo and Fermin Montano. Since 1952, women who had been principal were: Miss Carmen dela Cruz (1952-1967); Mrs. Rolendia S. Edralin (1967-1973); Mrs. Adoracion R. Ramos (1974-1984); Miss Beatriz D. Cruz (1984-1988); Mrs. Natividad A. Cruz, OIC (1988-1989); Mrs. Juliana B. Laoag (1989-1995); and Dr. Lolita R. Salomon (1995 to 2004); Mrs. Zenaida T. Cervantes (2004-2006); Dr. Aurora C. Micu (2007 to present).