Payton College Preparatory High School

Payton College Preparatory High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
1034 N Wells St,  Chicago, IL
River North Neighborhood
Chicago Public Schools
4.1
3.6
1,167 Students
A+
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Timothy Patrick Devine
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Average SAT Score
1420
Average ACT Score
32
Math Proficiency
96%
Reading Proficiency
95%
Average GPA
3.77
Graduation Rate
96%

Niche Grade

A+
Academics
A+
Teachers
A+
College Prep
B+
Administration
A-
Resources/Facilities
A
Clubs and Activities
B+
Sports
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.77
Reading Proficiency
95%
Math Proficiency
96%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
86
Full Time Teachers
86
Teachers in First or Second Year
8.5%
College Prep
Average SAT
1420
Math
710
Verbal
710
Average ACT
32
Math
31
English
33
Reading
33
Science
32
Number of AP Courses
28
AP Pass Rate
91.4%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

7
Equity
9
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
243:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.3%
Female
49.7%
White
37.6%
Hispanic
24.4%
Asian or Pacific Islander
24.3%
Black
9.1%
Two or more races
4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

School Rankings

#1 Best College Prep Public HS in Illinois
#1 Best HS For Stem in Illinois
#1 Best Magnet HS in Illinois
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 500 Students
Northwestern University 493 Students
University of Chicago 396 Students
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 320 Students
Stanford University 268 Students
University of Illinois Chicago 233 Students
University of Southern California 218 Students
Yale University 208 Students
Harvard University 199 Students
Brown University 191 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Biology 217 Students
Business 203 Students
Computer Science 191 Students
Psychology 166 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 128 Students
Economics 123 Students
Political Science and Government 105 Students
Engineering 79 Students
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 76 Students
Finance 70 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 363 Reviews
4.0 Alum
12/31/2024
It definitely lived up to my expectations of a hyper-competitive academic environment. Payton does a good job of supporting so many talented students but there is also a downside to a very self-directed high school. Many things at the school that seemed interesting slipped my mind as there is very little administrative support toward getting students involved in new activities.
5.0 Senior
8/12/2024
Lots of college readiness resources and high level classes, including a wide array of AP choices. School spirit and inclusivity is very high for all students.
4.0 Senior
7/8/2024
The community at Walter Payton is amazing and I've met all different kinds of people. The environment is welcoming and the teachers make sure everyone in class is doing well. The coursework is reasonable but still challenging.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
3.6 7 Reviews
3.0 parent
2/28/2022
Just move to the suburbs and send your kid to a well-funded suburban district. My son went here and honestly there’s more to life than AP classes. Fields for sports on campus are nice to have. A track so your kid isn’t jogging around the building on pavement. Auto mechanics. Welding, EMT classes. Bu...
Read Full Review
5.0 student
3/8/2015
Payton was a great school. I honestly took advantage of Payton when I went there, but it still gave me the advanatage on a ton of colleges that I shouldn't have got in to. Amazing teachers, some have left, but still amazing teachers. Glad I chose Payton instead of Whitney young or northside. I would...
Read Full Review
3.0 student
11/13/2012
I'm a recent graduate (2011), and I have very mixed feelings about the school. Sadly, many of these are negative. I chose Payton over many other great high schools because I wanted a challenge and good reputation, which many high schools in CPS just can't provide. When I got there, I was pleased wit...
Read Full Review
5.0 student
12/15/2011
Graduated class of 2008, and didn't appreciate Payton until I got to college. It is exactly what it's named, a college prep. And if you can't deal with the course load, or the "unsympathetic" teachers then go to a school that doesn't prepare you for what lies ahead. I went to Depaul and felt that my...
Read Full Review
See More GreatSchools Reviews

Agents Specializing in Attendance Zone

  • Jinnie Riley

    Jinnie Riley

    Epique Realty

    (563) 723-0619

    123 Total Sales

    2 in Attendance Zone

    $86K - $108K Price Range

    Jinnie Riley
     Section Image
  • Thomas Knapp

    Thomas Knapp

    RE/MAX Preferred Properties

    (309) 315-3631

    477 Total Sales

    128 in Attendance Zone

    $6K - $440K Price Range

    Thomas Knapp
     Section Image
  • Rhonda McGath

    Rhonda McGath

    eXp Realty

    (309) 306-3668

    125 Total Sales

    1 in Attendance Zone

    $83,000 Price

    Rhonda McGath
     Section Image
  • Adam Merrick

    Adam Merrick

    Responds Quickly

    Adam Merrick Real Estate

    (309) 886-9039

    4,189 Total Sales

    7 in Attendance Zone

    $15K - $118K Price Range

    Adam Merrick
     Section Image
  • Sharon Esslinger

    Sharon Esslinger

    Responds Quickly

    RE/MAX Country Crossroads

    (563) 723-8827

    214 Total Sales

    2 in Attendance Zone

    $15K - $119K Price Range

    Sharon Esslinger
     Section Image
  • Drake Scott

    Drake Scott

    Responds Quickly

    Keller Williams Premier Realty

    (309) 271-0411

    316 Total Sales

    5 in Attendance Zone

    $34K - $283K Price Range

    Drake Scott
     Section Image
See All Agents

Map

Attendance Zone

Homes for Sale

See All Homes

Homes for Rent

See All Homes For Rent

Additional Schools in the Area

Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools

Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.

Parks in this Area

Additional Neighborhoods in this Area

Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile

A Chicago neighborhood home to a bustling commercial district and high-rise condos

Streeterville
Streeterville

Lake Michigan views and towering skyscrapers in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Search Nearby Neighborhoods
Illinois Cook County Chicago 60610 River North
Payton College Preparatory High School

Payton College Preparatory High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Chicago, IL and is served by the Chicago Public Schools in Illinois. The school has a total enrollment of 1,167 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 96% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 95% are proficient in reading. Payton College Preparatory High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.77, the graduation rate is 96%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1420 and an ACT score of 32. The average home value in this area is $497,084. Discover additional schools in the area, like Lincoln Park High School, Wells Community Academy High School, Ogden Int High School, and more. Learn more about what Chicago has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Payton College Preparatory High School.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Jinnie Riley
Jinnie Riley
Epique Realty
Agent experienced in this area
Section Image