Lucena City National High School started as Ibabang Dupay National High School (IDNHS) located at Ibabang Dupay Lucena City. It was founded on July 16, 1993 through Republic Act 1192. It was initiated by Dr. Leonora Guerrero, Division Superintendent with the help of Dr. Azucena Romulo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Mrs.Evelyn Villabrosa, Elvira Razon Aranilla Elementary School (ERAES) Principal,formerly Ibabang Dupay Elementary School Mr. Ricardo Orinday, North District Supervisor,and Mr. Rolando Ingles, Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) President. During the school year, Dr. Guerrero wanted to change the school’s name as Science National High School but the students’ average did not meet the required grade standard for Science Curriculum. 

The IDNHS has only one building with two classrooms donated by Cong. Jun Punzalan. The school ground was rice fields and therefore,muddy. The school canteen was under the stairs,the comfort rooms were improvised. In 1993, the school had only three teachers, namely: Mrs. Agnes Encomienda, Mr. Ferdinand A. Metierre and Mrs. Mina Importante. The pioneer teachers got their salary at the Malacañang and it took a long time for them to get their salaries with the great help of Mr. Ricardo Orinday. There were only 79 first year students that time. After a couple of months, Mrs. Agnes Encomienda left the school and Mrs. Filomena Bayani,a Science Teacher came as a substitute,and Mrs. Mina Importante was then substituted by Mrs. Miami David, Mrs. Lolita Santa Ana was appointed as an and Officer-in-Charge, Division English Supervisor.

In, July 16 1994, new batch of teachers were appointed they were Mrs. Epifania F. Carandang, Mr. Pablito R. Alay and Mrs. Evengeline Nieva.Mrs. Epifania F. Carandang was designated as teacher-in-charge and  became a school head teacher in 1999 then a year after was promoted as a school principal. 

Due to the rising  population of the students who wanted to enroll and study at Ibabang Dupay, National High School,  different extensions in Cotta and Dalahican were built.The computer room and the science laboratory were also constructed by Bonifacio Foundation of the same year.

In 2002, through the resolution of the City Government of Lucena Ibabang Dupay National High School (IDNHS) became Lucena City National High School (LCNHS).

In three years time, another extension school was established in Gulang-gulang under the supervision of Mrs. Epifania F. Carandang.

Presently, the Lucena City National High School has a covered court constructed during the administration of Mayor Ramon Y. Talaga, Jr. There are already eight (8) functional  buildings and other school amenities established for over ten years of dedication providing quality education. It envision to develop young people who are imbued with desirable traits, knowledgeable, productive, skillful, creative and responsible students and citizens of the country nurtured by competent and effective teachers supported by the community.