Walter Payton College Prep High School: A Source of Pride for Parents

Walter Payton College Prep High School Ranked Among Top Schools in the Country

For parents with children enrolled at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago, the recent news of the school’s ranking as one of the best in the country has only added to their pride.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Payton College Prep has been ranked fifth in the latest survey of the best high schools in the United States. This prestigious ranking has left parents like Julie Chen beaming with pride as they drop off their children at the River North campus.

Principal Fareeda Shabazz Anderson expressed her excitement over the news, attributing the school’s success to a focus on student achievement and a strong school culture.

Joining Payton at the top of the list of best high schools in Illinois are other selective enrollment and magnet schools such as Northside College Prep, Whitney Young Magnet, Jones College Prep, and Lane Tech. These schools are known for attracting high-performing students from better socioeconomic backgrounds.

Recently, a five-year strategic plan proposed by a school board appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson has sparked discussions about prioritizing neighborhood schools and changing school funding formulas. While the plan has been supported by the Chicago Teachers Union, it has faced resistance from some parents and state legislators.

Despite these challenges, a Chicago Public Schools spokesperson reassured that selective enrollment and magnet schools will continue to receive the necessary funding to maintain their rigorous academic programs. The spokesperson emphasized that the new budget model aims to support struggling schools rather than diminish resources for selective schools.

In response to concerns about potential changes at selective enrollment schools, lawmakers in Springfield passed legislation to block major changes until the transition to a fully elected Chicago School Board in 2027. This move aims to provide stability for schools like Payton during this period of transition.

With a 100% graduation rate and a strong college-going culture, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School remains a beacon of academic excellence in Chicago. Principal Anderson expressed her pride in the school’s students and their achievements, highlighting the dedication to preparing them for success beyond high school.