The school was founded in 1989 and named after community member and art patron Lois Cowles Harrison.

Students take general education classes at Lakeland High School, which is adjacent to Harrison.

The school started off with only 154 students, and 5 departments: Chorus, Orchestra, Dance, Musical Theater, and Art.

Students in Chorus and Orchestra had to be bused everyday to nearby Florida Southern College to receive their classes.

Underclassmen take five general education periods in Lakeland High School, while their two arts classes are taken in Harrison.