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Magnet School0
Chicago Public Schools

Walter Payton College Prep

#3 in Best Public High Schools in America
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public, Magnet
  • 9-12
  • Chicago, IL
  • 343 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A+
    3. Teachers
      A+
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      A
    6. Health & Safety
      A+
    7. Administration
      A+
    8. Sports
      A-
    9. Food
      B+
    10. Resources & Facilities
      A
    View Full Report Card
    Walter Payton College Prep is a top rated, public, magnet school located in Chicago, IL. It has 977 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 97% in reading.
    wpcp.org
    (773) 534-0034
    1034 N Wells St
    Chicago, IL 60610
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    Walter Payton College Prep Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    97%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    95%
    Average Graduation Rate
    99%
    Average SAT
    1390
    222 responses
    Average ACT
    31
    395 responses
    AP Enrollment
    76%
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    Living in the Area
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      C+
    2. Good for Families
      B+
    3. Housing
      C-
    Median Household Income
    $52,497
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,029
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $234,500
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A+
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    97%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.35 responses
    Poll
    91%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.35 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 115 responses
    Report
    • Homecoming
      22%
    • Sweetness Day
      18%
    • Field Day
      17%
    • School parties and dances (field day, prom).
      15%
    • International Night
      9%
    • Dance-a-Thon
      9%
    • Homecoming
      3%

    Students

    Diversity
    A+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    977
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    33%
    95%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.42 responses
    83%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.42 responses
    76%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.42 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    18:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $74,254
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    13%
    92%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.52 responses
    92%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.52 responses
    96%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.52 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    A
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    High
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Very High
    Expenses Per Student
    $15,924/ year
    National
    $12,239
    98%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.52 responses
    65%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.52 responses
    96%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.52 responses
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    Walter Payton College Prep Reviews

    343 reviews
    All Categories
    WPCP being a CPS Selective Enrollment School, your teen must live in Chicago.
    We weren't sure we'd like the system of several classes one day, the rest the next; but they really get to dig in to a subject this way. Once every 2 weeks is "seminar day" - interesting things for the half-day, from pet shelter volunteering to judo, a local nature preserve to films.
    Top-notch sci teachers, esp "Ms. Fig". 1 Lit teacher w/chip on her shoulder. Ms. Hudson is fab, for college prep/gen support; we love the comfort dog.
    Sports: many choices, NO AstroTurf.
    Theatre can't be beat, 2 productions/yr.
    Tutoring run by members of the NHS.
    8am's tough for teens, if later could = more sleep!
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    Walter Payton College Prep is an amazing Liberal Arts school from which students leave ready to tackle the challenges of today. Here, you can play the trombone in front of hundreds of students. Here, you can swing swords and climb mountains. Here, you can do challenging math way above your pay grade. Here, you will learn about the history of our country from a multitude of perspectives, and read substantive essays from magnificent authors. The teachers at Walter Payton College Prep never cease to pique your curiosity. Faculty, in its entirety, has a great spectrum of wisdom and is a pillar of support for everyone who seeks their aid. And the students, from the 1st day freshman wondering the halls to the senior taking his last glance of the school, have a burning passion to learn and play 'till the bell strikes 3:30P.M.everyday. We can't wait to meet with you, share with you, and learn from you here at Walter Payton College Prep!
    Walter Payton is the best school I could ask for! It has a challenging curriculum consisting of pretty much only Honors and AP classes and has a great student community. Many students also take classes at a higher level due to past completion or tested out of a level (ie. Spanish 2 as a freshman class).

    Alongside the academics, there are 'enrichment's every day, with different clubs (ie. art, academics, watching Disney movies, test corrections, sports practice), study hall, and plenty of other fun/academic activities for around 50 minutes every day.

    Overall, Payton is a great place for high school, if you like academics. :)