Beyond its impressive academic accolades lies a story of dedication. Walter Payton College Prep stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Chicago.
Walter Payton College Prep opened in 2000. It is named after the legendary Chicago Bears player Walter Payton. The school’s colors are even inspired by the Bears. They proudly sport blue and orange. The number 34 features prominently showing respect for Payton’s jersey number.
Walter Payton College Prep is more than just a school. It is a selective enrollment high school. It attracts students with advanced academic programs. It follows an international model for teaching. This approach prepares students for success in a globalized world.
The school is located in the Old Town neighborhood. Its address is 1034 North Wells Street.
Walter Payton College Prep has consistently ranked high. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it the No. 1 public high school in Illinois since 2018. In 2015 Newsweek ranked it the top public high school in the state. It was also ranked No. 10 in the nation.
The school’s commitment to academic rigor is evident. In recent years it has been the most difficult selective enrollment school in Chicago to gain admission. Applicants needed a minimum cutoff score of 898 out of 900 points for the 2020-21 school year.
Walter Payton College Prep won the Intel School of Distinction awards in 2010. It won for Excellence in Mathematics and Star Innovator. This recognized its incorporation of technology. It also recognized collaborative lesson planning and the use of Japanese Lesson Study.
The student body at Walter Payton College Prep is diverse. As of the 2022–2023 school year it is 37.6% White 24.5% Asian 24.4% Hispanic 8.9% Black and 4.6% Other. Low–income students make up 30.2% of the student body. Impressively Walter Payton College Prep has a 99% graduation rate.
The school competes in the Chicago Public League. It is also a member of the Illinois High School Association. Its varsity athletic teams are called the Grizzlies. The girls’ volleyball team has made three appearances in the IHSA Class 3A state finals. The girls’ varsity tennis team won state championships in 2018.
In May 2006 the Confucius Institute in Chicago opened at Walter Payton College Prep. It is a partnership between Chicago Public Schools the Office of Chinese Language Council International and Shanghai’s East China Normal University. Notably it is the only Confucius Institute housed in a high school.
On January 21 2011 President Hu Jintao of China visited the school. He observed the KAM and AP Chinese classes. He then invited 20 faculty and students to China for the following summer.
In September 2013 Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans for a new annex. It was built behind the original building to house more students. The annex was completed and opened by the beginning of the 2016 school year. It features a new gym and a black box theater. The annex cost $17 million.
Walter Payton College Prep participates in Sweetness Day every March 4th. This date reflects Walter Payton’s jersey number 34. “Sweetness” was Payton’s nickname.
Walter Payton College Prep maintains a strong matriculation rate into top-tier universities. This success stems from reducing pressure on students. The school decreases competition between them. This creates a supportive environment.
Walter Payton College Prep’s story is one of academic excellence. It is a story of diversity and community engagement. It honors a football legend. It prepares students for a bright future. As you leave Walter Payton College Prep remember its motto. It is “Courage Character Curiosity Compassion”. These values shape the students and the school.