The Kindergarten of the Future

ROHR Transformation

The Kindergarten of the Future

Wellington is reimagining its early childhood spaces with the renovation of the Rick O’Hara Room (ROHR) into a purpose-built home for kindergarten. The new space prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and student-centered learning and will serve as a bridge between early childhood and lower school. This project will also support future building updates identified in the soon-to-be-shared strategic plan.

Immediate Impact

A transformative $500,000 gift from Board Chair Jim Croft P ’17 ’20 ’22 and his wife, Michelle P ’17 ’20 ’22, allows the project to move forward immediately—creating an environment where the school’s youngest learners can thrive.

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  • Flexible Spaces

    The ROHR will be transformed to include three spacious classrooms and a flex area for collaborative learning, conveniently located near other ECLS classrooms and the Brisk Commons.

  • Child-Centered Design 

    Each classroom will balance structure with flexibility — offering child-centered elements such as varied seating options and ample storage for hands-on learning materials.

  • Outdoor Exploration

    Classrooms will have direct access to the West Playground and a built-in mudroom, reinforcing the importance of movement, independence, and outdoor exploration.

  • Home-like Atmosphere

    Warm tones, natural light, and cozy spaces will create an inviting, home-like atmosphere. 

Features

Now through June 30, your gift to The Wellington Fund helps to unlock a generous $10,000 matching gift from Jim and Kim Mermis P ’32 ’34 ’36 ’39. 

The Space

"When we learned about the vision for this project, we saw an opportunity to help create a space where young learners could develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of school from the very start."

-Jim Croft, board chair

"By designing classrooms specifically for kindergartners, we are honoring their unique developmental stage while giving them room to grow, collaborate, and explore in ways that feel natural to them." 

-Shelley Brown, assistant head of school for academics and head of ECLS

“This move allows us to be more intentional with space while creating a more seamless journey for families and students." 

-Lindsey Smith, chief operating officer and director of athletics

"While I know the space will be beautiful, what truly exhilarates me is imagining how the students will make it their own."

-Jennifer Landon, early childhood lead

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