Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, a selective-enrollment magnet school, focuses its curriculum on Honors and Advanced Placement courses in science, math, humanities, language, and other subjects.

The high school also offers an extensive variety of foreign languages, including French, Japanese, Chinese, Latin, and Spanish. Students can participate in global exchange and study programs in countries such as China, France, Brazil and South Africa. As the norm, students take four years of a World Language. Students can participate in videoconferencing with one of the many sister schools located throughout the world. Hundreds of students participate in global exchange programs and international studies.

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School offers competitive sports programs and a variety of school clubs, including astronomy, chess, debate, and photography.

The school has a strong commitment to service and community engagement.

The Seminar program gives students the opportunity to enjoy seminars on topics such as horseback riding, pilates, bridge building, math modeling, Judo, exploring Harry Potter, beginning acoustic guitar, and much more.

Economically disadvantaged students make up 31 percent of the student body at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School.

During the 12 months following graduation, 85 percent of students enroll in a college or university; within 16 months, 88 percent have enrolled.

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is a National Blue Ribbon Award school and an Intel School of Distinction.