Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is a public four-year magnet high school located in the Old Town neighborhood on the near–north side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 2000, Payton is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district.
Serving 1,260 students in grades 9-12, Payton College Preparatory High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 84% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 95% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,260 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 5% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 84% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Payton College Preparatory High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Payton College Preparatory High School's student population of 1,260 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has grown by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,260 students
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
Navy Blue, Orange
School Rankings
Payton College Preparatory High School ranks within the top 1% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Payton College Preparatory High School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6 out of 3542 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
84%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
95%
30%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
27%
6%
Hispanic
26%
29%
Black
10%
16%
White
32%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Grizzlies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payton College Preparatory High School's ranking?
Payton College Preparatory High School is ranked #6 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Payton College Preparatory High School often compared to?
Payton College Preparatory High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northside College Preparatory High School, Jones College Prep High School, Young Magnet High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Payton College Preparatory High School?
The graduation rate of Payton College Preparatory High School is 96%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Payton College Preparatory High School?
1,260 students attend Payton College Preparatory High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Payton College Preparatory High School students are White, 27% of students are Asian, 26% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Payton College Preparatory High School?
Payton College Preparatory High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Payton College Preparatory High School offer ?
Payton College Preparatory High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Payton College Preparatory High School part of?
Payton College Preparatory High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Payton College Preparatory High School located?
Payton College Preparatory High School is located in the Near North neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other public schools located in Near North.
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