The current building opened in 1961; the previous high school, built in 1922, became White Junior High School, which closed in 1995.

It took its current name upon the 1976 opening of Lapeer East High School.

Today, the Lapeer West building is the Lapeer Community Schools' Center for Innovation, allowing students to take courses never before offered in their schools.

Its athletic fields will remain the home of the Lapeer High School Lightning outdoor sports teams.

The Lapeer West Panthers won the 1995 MHSAA Class A football state championship with a 24–21 double-overtime victory over South Lyon High School.