Walter Payton College Prep High School is in the heart of The Bears, Chicago. It is a beacon of educational excellence. It is an institution whose songs are sung worldwide for its rigorous academics.
The rules and ethics of the school are synonymous with academic brilliance and pursuit of education. It also had made multiple academic geniuses in aiming and securing their career goals. This High School is named after the legend of the football field and off-field, Walter Payton. Who was a big advocate of education and has also helped his community on a humanitarian ground.
Let’s discuss how it was found when it was found, its academic prowess, and what makes it a special place as a preparatory college.
Historical Events of Walter Payton College Prep School:
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School was founded in the 2000s. It was established with the sole purpose of helping those who are lost and helping people get their lives on track with top-tier education. They were taught how to handle a college’s challenging life and navigate education problems.
The Chicago public opened the school to pay Homage to one of their best players, the Chicago Bears. Walter Payton. It was named after him as a gratitude towards his community service and all he has done to make it a better place.
In addition to being named after the football legend Walter Payton, the colours are the same as the Chicago Bears, blue and orange, which brings a resemblance and sense of community between the students of Walter Payton Prep High School.
Walter Payton’s College Journey:
Walter Payton, one of the most valuable players of American football, had an average life before having an illustrious career. So before we talk any more details about the Payton College Prep High School, let’s look into the educational life of the hero the institution is named after.
Walter Payton was born and raised in Columbia, Mississippi, in 1954. Payton is an active Boy Scouts, choir club, Little League, and marching band member. Showcasing his diverse interests.
Payton went to John J. Jefferson High School, where he played drums in the marching band. Payton avoided playing in the football team as his brother was also playing, after his graduation, he started playing only if they would allow him to continue marching band, too.
Payton quickly gained fame as he was one of the best players in his school team. So, where did Walter Payton go to college? Was he selected based on football?
Although Payton was established as one of the best running backs, he received no calls from Southern Conference College. Therefore, Payton went to Jackson State University. It is there where he acquired his nickname “Sweetness”.
The Academic Program of Payton College Preparatory High School:
One of the core goals of Walter Payton College Prep is to ensure academic excellence. Therefore, apart from the extracurriculars, the school provides a challenging curriculum. The curriculum focuses on innovation, quick thinking, a holistic approach to learning, and critical and creative thinking with decision-making skills.
The emphasis on these skills makes the child excel in school, academics, and life. They are quick thinkers, able to solve their problems, innovate new ideas if they are stuck, and be able to make proper, thoughtful, and analysed decisions in life.
One of their programs, known as The Magnet, scholastic and Technology Program (MST Program), adds a unique experience to learning.
Walter Payton College Prep School is based on selective enrollment. It also focuses on a global perspective of education. This way, the students’ horizons expand, making them more aware of their surroundings.
Focus on Extracurriculars:
Apart from a strict focus on academics, a wide range of clubs are open for students. The wide array of clubs helps grab the students’ attention as extracurriculars. Walter Payton College Prep High School also hosts competitive sports.
The high school focuses on exchange programs to bring diversity to their classrooms. Students around the globe, from France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Czech, and many more countries, are second homes for the institution
Walter Payton College Prep High School awards:
Multiple achievement awards are given to the preparatory college. There are a few that stand out from others. Here are a few awards that Payton Prep College is proud of
- 2014 and 2008 National Blue Ribbon Award
- U.S. News and World Report’s Top 100 High Schools
- Newsweek Top 100 High Schools
- Goldman-Sachs Foundation Prize in Excellence in International Education
- #1 International High School in the United States
- Intel School of Distinction 2010
- Intel 2010 “Star Innovator” Award
Prep High School is considered one the best institutions in America, which says a lot about their work ethic, education standards, and the quality of education provided there.
The Mission Statement of the Walter Payton College Prep High School:
There are “4 Cs” that Payton High School is focused on. They are:
- Curiosity
- character
- Courage
- Compassion
They categorise their learnings into 2 aspects, “Who are we?” and “What do we do?” for each of their 4 Cs. Let’s dig deeper and see what it means for both categories.
Curiosity:
Who are we:
We are curious, always finding ways to learn, sceptical learners, and eager to solve problems.
What do we do:
We assess, analyse, and interpret the problem. We discover patterns, behaviours, and ways within and across different principles. We also look for our passions and find a way to follow them.
Character:
Who are we:
We are ethical and disciplined and engage with our community inside and outside the culture.
What do we do:
We act with integrity and display and take responsibility for our actions and personal growth.
Courage:
Who are we:
We are courageous. We are resilient and determined to make the world a better place.
What do we do:
We fight our battles and stand up against any kind of injustice. We don’t let fear dictate our actions.
Compassion:
Who are we:
We are empathetic to any kind of social or personal problems.
What do we do:
We want to help others accept the diversity of background, class, culture, and circumstances.
The mission statement is one of their approaches to show what they learn and what they expect the students to graduate with a sense of curiosity, courage, compassion, and good character. These are the characteristics and features that are needed in the generation to survive as well as thrive.
Concluding words for the Walter Payton College Prep High School, a Gateway to Excellence:
Conclusively, Walter Payton College Prep High School symbolises compassion, courage, and curiosity among the students. It is an institute that welcomes everybody with open hands despite cultural, class, or circumstantial differences. It is a ray of hope and an inspiration to other institutions.
Walter Payton College Prep is an honour bestowed on the beloved Walter Payton, and without a doubt, it is living up to the standards. The school continues to shape the minds of the future generation, transform lives, and make the world a better place one school at a time.
FAQs
Walter Payton College Prep High School was established in the 2000s by the Chicago public.
Walter Payton’s high emphasis on courage, compassion, character, and curiosity helps the student be more emphatic, help others in the community, stand up against injustice, and so much more. On top of that, because of the diversity, they focus on oneness and do not discriminate against students based on class, culture, race, gender, etc.