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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
  • 361 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 1,073 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. According to state test scores, 97% of students are at least proficient in math and 99% in reading.
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    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
    99%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    97%
    Average Graduation Rate
    96%
    Average SAT
    1390
    253 responses
    Average ACT
    31
    428 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
    $55,198
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,077
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $246,500
    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.39 responses
    Poll
    92%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.39 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 130 responses
    Report
    • Homecoming
      20%
    • Sweetness Day
      18%
    • Field Day
      17%
    • School parties and dances (field day, prom).
      15%
    • International Night
      10%
    • Dance-a-Thon
      8%
    • Spirit Week
      4%

    Students

    Diversity
    A+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,073
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    32%
    96%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.46 responses
    83%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.46 responses
    76%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.46 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    17:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $74,254
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    13%
    93%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.56 responses
    93%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.56 responses
    93%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.56 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
    $15,409/ year
    National
    $12,239
    98%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.56 responses
    64%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.56 responses
    96%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.56 responses
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    Walter Payton College Prep Reviews

    361 reviews
    All Categories
    Coming in, there are so many wonderful counselors who provide resources for any kind of student regardless of income, racial background or where you came from. While we pride ourselves of having "students from every area code," student relationships have risen in racial tensions. It seems that the only thing that keeps the peace is the mutual love for the school and it's outstanding perfomance in academics, such as the Honors and AP courses. Despite the social culture, you will not find any other opportunity to experience the rigor that is needed to ascend to college life, such as academic clubs like Robotics and Science Olympiad as well as Debate and Black Student Union. Go Grizzlies!
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    I loved it here. Mr. Devine always brought the most positive vibes to school and in the hallways. Everyone was supportive of each other and student-teacher relationships were rather casual when needed while also maintaining focus on academic materials. Really sad that most of the administration is moving out, but they're going to even bigger places!
    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!