Originally established as a boys' school in 1872, Kuopion Lyseo opened its doors to both sexes in 1977.

The origins of Kuopion Lyseo can be traced further back to Viipurin Triviaalikoulu that was established in 1534 and relocated to Kuopio in 1777.

Kuopion Lyseon lukio is one of the most academically prestigious upper secondary schools in Finland.

It is the fifth highest scoring school in the Finnish Matriculation Examination and its International Baccalaureate class has consistently had one of the highest average final examination scores in Europe.

Kuopion Lyseon lukio has been an IB World School since 1994 and as such administers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.