[1] Originally housed in the historic Stephen J. Hay Building, located at 3801 Herschel Ave. in the city's Oak Lawn district, the Irma L. Rangel Young Women's Leadership School opened its doors to 125 students on August 16, 2004 under the leadership of Principal Vivian Taylor-Samudio, who headed the school from its inception to her retirement in 2015.

The school finally opened to grades sixth through twelve during the 2008-2009 academic year, graduating its first class in 2009.

[7] The school is a member of the Young Women's Preparatory Network, which funds programs including leadership-building summer camps and on-campus college advising.

[11] In 2013, Principal Vivan Taylor-Samudio introduced and instilled the school creed, to be recited by students each morning.

[12] The school includes a hand bell choir, a vocal choir, a string instrumental orchestra, academic pentathlon and decathlon, a robotics team, a debate team, a yearbook staff, a GSA called Rainbow Rangers, an after-school community service club, and many more.