It was established by Scottish-Irish social worker, author, speaker and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita, in November 1898.

Responding to his call, Sister Nivedita (at that time Margaret Elizabeth Noble) came to India in January 1898.

The main reason why Swamiji invited her was to spread education to the women of the country.

But, when Nivedita appealed to collect girls for the school, she suddenly discovered Vivekananda in the room pushing others and prompting "Ye, get up, get up!

[2]: 21–22 On 13 November 1898, on the day of Kali Puja, at 16 Bosepara Lane in the Bagbazar area of North Calcutta, she started the school.

[3] The school was inaugurated by Sarada Devi, in the presence of Swami Vivekananda and some of the other disciples of Ramakrishna.

After the death of Sister Nivedita in October 1911, the school faced many difficulties.

[5] In 1998 the "Sister Nivedita Girls’ School Alumni Association" was founded for ex-students.

Social, cultural and religious events are regularly organised by the alumni association.