Spotlighting Walter Payton College Prep: What Makes the Selective Enrollment School so Coveted

Walter Payton College Prep is widely regarded as the most competitive of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, and for good reason. Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the country, Payton offers a rigorous academic environment, exceptional faculty, and incredible preparation for a student's college application process, and later college experience.

Students benefit from a wide range of AP courses, high college placement rates, and unique global learning programs that include study abroad and language immersion. The school fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and leadership, supported by modern facilities including science labs, a black box theater, and a competition gym. This means that Walter Payton is an ideal school for students who are high achievers academically, while also harboring a lot of extracurriculars and additional interests.

Payton attracts a diverse group of students, including high-achieving scholars, aspiring scientists and engineers, world-language enthusiasts, artists, musicians, and more. While there is a strong sports program, it’s especially well-suited for students who are academically driven and excited by a high-energy, achievement-focused culture.

Admission is highly competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT).

Test Prep Chicago offers expert guidance and test preparation to help students succeed on the CPS HSAT and gain admission to top schools like Payton. In the coming weeks, we’ll be profiling other selective enrollment high schools to help families understand their options.

Interested in learning more about how we can support your student through their CPS HSAT prep? Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content. 

Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.