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 1,265 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 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,265 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- 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
School Overview
Payton College Preparatory High School's student population of 1,265 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has grown by 56% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,265 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
86 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 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. 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
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
26%
6%
Hispanic
26%
28%
Black
9%
17%
White
35%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
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?
1,265 students attend Payton College Preparatory High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Payton College Preparatory High School students are White, 26% of students are Asian, 26% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, and 4% 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 15:1, 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 District 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.
School Reviews
Review Payton College Preparatory High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
