Opened in September 1974, The school is named in the honor of American mechanical engineer and inventor George Henry Corliss.

Designed by Myron Goldsmith, The school was completed in two phases; beginning in August 1973 and concluding in July 1974.

The library media center named for the Harlem Renaissance poet Arna Bontemps.

[11] Corliss competes in the Chicago Public League (CPL) and a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

For the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, The boys' basketball team were Class 2A and regional champions under the leadership of coach Harvey Jones.