The idea of a science high school in the Philippines came from a Filipino mathematician, Dr. Leopoldo V. Torralballa, who was then a professor of mathematics at New York University. Patterned after the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, the envisioned science high school was created to give a highly enriched science and mathematics education to exceptionally gifted Filipino children.

The vision was realized in 1963, and it has now grown into seven campuses in  the Philippines. The PSHS system is committed to the same ideals as those of the original campus, and its goal is to have one unified Philippine Science High School - in academic excellence, in leadership, and in spirit.