Columbus Private School | Discover Wellington School
Source: http://www.wellington.org/about
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Columbus Private School | Discover Wellington School
About
A big idea for even the smallest learners
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, The Wellington School is dedicated to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. Students in preschool through grade 12 have freedom to delve into interests that spark their curiosity, all while building a solid academic foundation through challenging and engaging curriculum. We believe that every form of diversity makes us stronger and strive for each member of our learning community to share their individual voice and have a deep sense of belonging.
Fast Facts
Founded:
1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs
Grades:
Preschool through grade 12
Early Childhood: Preschool-kindergarten
Lower School: Grades 1-4
Middle School: Grades 5-8
Upper School: Grades 9-12
Students:
The Wellington School has a diverse and inclusive student body.
750 total students (128 in early childhood, 201 in lower school, 216 in middle school, and 205 in upper school)
Coeducational
40% identify as students of color
Mission and Values:
We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world.
Be Curious
Be Yourself
Be Ambitious
Be Empathetic
Be Responsible
Governance:
A 21-member Board of Trustees that includes parents and alumni.
Major Dates:
Major dates for the 2026-27 school year can be found
here
.
Schedule:
Early Childhood and Lower School:
7:30-8 a.m. Before Care
8-8:20 a.m. Arrival
8:20 a.m. School day begins
3:25 p.m. School day ends
3:25-6 p.m. Aftercare
Middle School
7:30-8:25 a.m. Arrival (supervision in the Middle School Commons before 8 a.m.)
8-8:25 a.m. Students head to advisor's room
8:25 a.m. School day begins
3:30 p.m. School day ends
3:30-6 p.m. Aftercare
Upper School
8-8:30 a.m. Arrival
8:30 a.m. School day begins
3:20 p.m. School day ends
Program Guides:
Early Childhood & Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
Average Class Size and Student-to-Teacher Ratio:
Early Childhood & Lower School: 14-18 students in each class
Middle School: 15 students in each class
Upper School: 15 students in each class
The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1
College Counseling and Matriculation:
Our College Counseling program is distinctive in its empowerment of students to search for, identify, and enroll in colleges that are strong fits based on their individual passions and circumstances. The College Counseling team is comprised of three experienced counselors and staff who provide support to students and families throughout the college search and application process.
View our matriculation list.
Beyond the Bell:
Our Beyond the Bell programs help keep our students engaged outside the classroom before and after school. The program runs Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We've designed this time around themed activities while allowing our parents the added benefit of flexible drop off and pick up times.
Learn more.
Dining:
We partner with Aladdin Campus Dining to provide balanced and delicious meals to our community, including many allergy-friendly options. Lunch is included in tuition for all grades. The Thomas Family Dining Room features numerous options including a fresh salad bar, yogurt bar, deli bar, soup, hot sandwiches, and a daily plated hot entree and plated salad.
Location:
The Wellington School is centrally located in Upper Arlington, close to downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University.
Hours:
Early Childhood and Lower School (preschool-grade 4): 8:20 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
Middle School (grades 5-8): 8:25 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.
Upper School (grades 9-12): 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Before and after school care are available for early childhood, lower school, and middle school students.
Facilities:
Our 19-acre campus includes flexible academic spaces, commons spaces in each division, library, MakerSpace, 400-seat performing arts center, light-filled dining room, two gardens, outdoor learning spaces, walking paths, turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.
Offerings:
Wellington offers classes and programming in music, theatre, and visual arts. Beginning with our youngest learners, students in each grade have the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform multiple times throughout the year.
Facilities:
The 400-seat Blanchard Performing Arts Center hosts music and theatre performances throughout the year, including grade-level plays that foster independence and public speaking skills in early childhood and lower school.
Each division has developmentally appropriate visual arts classrooms.
Learn more about the arts at Wellington
Mascot:
Duke the Jaguar. Fun fact: Did you know that a group of jaguars in the wild is called a leap?
Teams;
34 middle and upper school teams
Varsity competition includes: boys baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls swimming and diving, and sideline cheer.
84% of upper school students and 71% of middle students play at least one sport.
Facilities:
Athletic facilities include a turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.
Learn more about athletics at Wellington
Application Process:
The application for the following school year is available on September 15 each year.
Learn more about the process.
Tuition:
Tuition ranges from $22,500 in early childhood to $33,000 in upper school.
View the complete tuition schedule.
Tuition Assistance:
Families received a total of $2.3 million in tuition assistance last year.
Wellington students travel to and from school in a variety of ways including by public school buses or the Wellington bus route. Bus transportation is available for all students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Learn more about transportation
Wellington Summer Program:
The Wellington Summer Program provides children entering prekindergarten through grade 12 the opportunity to discover new talents, learn essential skills, tackle new obstacles, and build lasting friendships.
Learn more about the summer program
Welcome from Head of School
Welcome to Wellington! The moment I stepped foot on Wellington’s campus, I knew it was the right school for my family and me. I hope that you, too, will quickly sense that Wellington is a joyful, ambitious, and essential school that lives up to its mission of helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. We value curiosity, authenticity, ambition, empathy, and responsibility.
Learn more about Ms. McLaren
countries of origin for Wellington students
We believe that every form of diversity makes us a stronger community.
Leaders shaping leaders.
At the center of a Wellington education are the faculty and administrators who encourage, inspire, and celebrate the discoveries our students make every day. Our Board of Trustees provides invaluable guidance, oversight, and vision.
Meet Our Leadership
Our history
Wellington was conceived in 1979 by a group of Columbus executives and entrepreneurs with the goal of creating the first coeducational, independent school in Columbus. They spent three years refining plans, raising money, finding a property, and recruiting teachers and students. In 1982, Wellington opened. All of the living founders remain connected to Wellington today. Many of the founders’ children graduated from Wellington and now their grandchildren as well. Each says the school has exceeded their original vision, and Wellington continues to innovate curriculum that creates tomorrow’s leaders.
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 14:53
apierce
Our Founders
Ken Ackerman
President, K. B. Ackerman Co.
Dave Swaddling
CFO, Compuserve
Harry K. Gard
Co-founder, Compuserve
Dave Thomas
Founder, Wendy’s International
Bob Holland
Upper Arlington City Attorney
Jack Ruscilli
CEO, Ruscilli Construction
Len Immke
Founder, Immke Buick and Cadillac
Jeff Wilkins
Founder and President, CompuServe
George Minot
Executive Vice-President, CompuServe
Milestones
Wellington was conceived of by a group of entrepreneurs with the goal of creating the first co-ed, independent school in Columbus.
Wellington opened with 137 students and 19 employees as the first co-ed, independent school in Columbus, Ohio.
First graduating class - 32 students.
New building opened - 76,000 sq ft.
3 year-old Little Jags preschool began
Wellington celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Wellington opened the new middle school and early childhood wing, thanks to generous support of the Believing Campaign.
Wellington welcomed its sixth head of school, Eliza McLaren, and achieves record enrollment at 718 students.
Wellington opened the Croft Family Kindergarten Wing and achieved a second consecutive year of record-setting enrollment with 750 students enrolled.
About
A big idea for even the smallest learners
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, The Wellington School is dedicated to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. Students in preschool through grade 12 have freedom to delve into interests that spark their curiosity, all while building a solid academic foundation through challenging and engaging curriculum. We believe that every form of diversity makes us stronger and strive for each member of our learning community to share their individual voice and have a deep sense of belonging.
Fast Facts
Founded:
1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs
Grades:
Preschool through grade 12
Early Childhood: Preschool-kindergarten
Lower School: Grades 1-4
Middle School: Grades 5-8
Upper School: Grades 9-12
Students:
The Wellington School has a diverse and inclusive student body.
750 total students (128 in early childhood, 201 in lower school, 216 in middle school, and 205 in upper school)
Coeducational
40% identify as students of color
Mission and Values:
We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world.
Be Curious
Be Yourself
Be Ambitious
Be Empathetic
Be Responsible
Governance:
A 21-member Board of Trustees that includes parents and alumni.
Major Dates:
Major dates for the 2026-27 school year can be found
here
.
Schedule:
Early Childhood and Lower School:
7:30-8 a.m. Before Care
8-8:20 a.m. Arrival
8:20 a.m. School day begins
3:25 p.m. School day ends
3:25-6 p.m. Aftercare
Middle School
7:30-8:25 a.m. Arrival (supervision in the Middle School Commons before 8 a.m.)
8-8:25 a.m. Students head to advisor's room
8:25 a.m. School day begins
3:30 p.m. School day ends
3:30-6 p.m. Aftercare
Upper School
8-8:30 a.m. Arrival
8:30 a.m. School day begins
3:20 p.m. School day ends
Program Guides:
Early Childhood & Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
Average Class Size and Student-to-Teacher Ratio:
Early Childhood & Lower School: 14-18 students in each class
Middle School: 15 students in each class
Upper School: 15 students in each class
The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1
College Counseling and Matriculation:
Our College Counseling program is distinctive in its empowerment of students to search for, identify, and enroll in colleges that are strong fits based on their individual passions and circumstances. The College Counseling team is comprised of three experienced counselors and staff who provide support to students and families throughout the college search and application process.
View our matriculation list.
Beyond the Bell:
Our Beyond the Bell programs help keep our students engaged outside the classroom before and after school. The program runs Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We've designed this time around themed activities while allowing our parents the added benefit of flexible drop off and pick up times.
Learn more.
Dining:
We partner with Aladdin Campus Dining to provide balanced and delicious meals to our community, including many allergy-friendly options. Lunch is included in tuition for all grades. The Thomas Family Dining Room features numerous options including a fresh salad bar, yogurt bar, deli bar, soup, hot sandwiches, and a daily plated hot entree and plated salad.
Location:
The Wellington School is centrally located in Upper Arlington, close to downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University.
Hours:
Early Childhood and Lower School (preschool-grade 4): 8:20 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
Middle School (grades 5-8): 8:25 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.
Upper School (grades 9-12): 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Before and after school care are available for early childhood, lower school, and middle school students.
Facilities:
Our 19-acre campus includes flexible academic spaces, commons spaces in each division, library, MakerSpace, 400-seat performing arts center, light-filled dining room, two gardens, outdoor learning spaces, walking paths, turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.
Offerings:
Wellington offers classes and programming in music, theatre, and visual arts. Beginning with our youngest learners, students in each grade have the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform multiple times throughout the year.
Facilities:
The 400-seat Blanchard Performing Arts Center hosts music and theatre performances throughout the year, including grade-level plays that foster independence and public speaking skills in early childhood and lower school.
Each division has developmentally appropriate visual arts classrooms.
Learn more about the arts at Wellington
Mascot:
Duke the Jaguar. Fun fact: Did you know that a group of jaguars in the wild is called a leap?
Teams;
34 middle and upper school teams
Varsity competition includes: boys baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls swimming and diving, and sideline cheer.
84% of upper school students and 71% of middle students play at least one sport.
Facilities:
Athletic facilities include a turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.
Learn more about athletics at Wellington
Application Process:
The application for the following school year is available on September 15 each year.
Learn more about the process.
Tuition:
Tuition ranges from $22,500 in early childhood to $33,000 in upper school.
View the complete tuition schedule.
Tuition Assistance:
Families received a total of $2.3 million in tuition assistance last year.
Wellington students travel to and from school in a variety of ways including by public school buses or the Wellington bus route. Bus transportation is available for all students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Learn more about transportation
Wellington Summer Program:
The Wellington Summer Program provides children entering prekindergarten through grade 12 the opportunity to discover new talents, learn essential skills, tackle new obstacles, and build lasting friendships.
Learn more about the summer program
Welcome from Head of School
Welcome to Wellington! The moment I stepped foot on Wellington’s campus, I knew it was the right school for my family and me. I hope that you, too, will quickly sense that Wellington is a joyful, ambitious, and essential school that lives up to its mission of helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. We value curiosity, authenticity, ambition, empathy, and responsibility.
Learn more about Ms. McLaren
countries of origin for Wellington students
We believe that every form of diversity makes us a stronger community.
Leaders shaping leaders.
At the center of a Wellington education are the faculty and administrators who encourage, inspire, and celebrate the discoveries our students make every day. Our Board of Trustees provides invaluable guidance, oversight, and vision.
Meet Our Leadership
Our history
Wellington was conceived in 1979 by a group of Columbus executives and entrepreneurs with the goal of creating the first coeducational, independent school in Columbus. They spent three years refining plans, raising money, finding a property, and recruiting teachers and students. In 1982, Wellington opened. All of the living founders remain connected to Wellington today. Many of the founders’ children graduated from Wellington and now their grandchildren as well. Each says the school has exceeded their original vision, and Wellington continues to innovate curriculum that creates tomorrow’s leaders.
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 14:53
apierce
Our Founders
Ken Ackerman
President, K. B. Ackerman Co.
Dave Swaddling
CFO, Compuserve
Harry K. Gard
Co-founder, Compuserve
Dave Thomas
Founder, Wendy’s International
Bob Holland
Upper Arlington City Attorney
Jack Ruscilli
CEO, Ruscilli Construction
Len Immke
Founder, Immke Buick and Cadillac
Jeff Wilkins
Founder and President, CompuServe
George Minot
Executive Vice-President, CompuServe
Milestones
Wellington was conceived of by a group of entrepreneurs with the goal of creating the first co-ed, independent school in Columbus.
Wellington opened with 137 students and 19 employees as the first co-ed, independent school in Columbus, Ohio.
First graduating class - 32 students.
New building opened - 76,000 sq ft.
3 year-old Little Jags preschool began
Wellington celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Wellington opened the new middle school and early childhood wing, thanks to generous support of the Believing Campaign.
Wellington welcomed its sixth head of school, Eliza McLaren, and achieves record enrollment at 718 students.
Wellington opened the Croft Family Kindergarten Wing and achieved a second consecutive year of record-setting enrollment with 750 students enrolled.