COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thanks to a transformative $500,000 gift from Board Chair Jim Croft P ’17 ’20 ’22 and his wife, Michelle P ’17 ’20 ’22, Wellington is reimagining its early childhood spaces with the renovation of the Rick O’Hara Room (ROHR) into a purpose-built home for kindergarten. This gift, a lead contribution in this next phase of Wellington’s campus master planning, allows the project to move forward immediately—creating an environment where the school’s youngest learners can thrive and supporting future building updates being considered as part of Wellington’s strategic planning process.
"Wellington has always been a place that meets students where they are, encouraging them to explore, grow, and discover with confidence," said Jim Croft. "We are thrilled to support this project and help create a space where young learners can develop a love of school from the very start."
The reimagined ROHR space will feature three kindergarten classrooms, a flexible learning area, and direct access to the West Playground, reinforcing Wellington’s commitment to movement and outdoor exploration. Designed with input from early childhood educators and the Learning Environments Committee, the new space prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and student-centered learning. It will serve as a bridge between early childhood and lower school—purposefully crafted for students at a peak age of discovery.
"This is more than a renovation—it is a future-focused investment in our students and teachers, and it is the first step in a significant campus upgrade that will take shape over the coming years," said Head of School Eliza McLaren. "Jim and Michelle’s generosity allows us to bring our vision for early learning to life, ensuring that Wellington’s kindergartners have a space designed specifically for their needs—a playful and structured place, joyful and intentional."
The renovation, set to begin in May 2025, will also enhance the overall flow of Wellington’s campus and allow for a more expansive building renovation as a part of the School’s upcoming strategic plan. With Little Jags moving into the current kindergarten classrooms, early childhood programs will be more closely connected, strengthening the student experience from the earliest years and more fully opening up the Fishinger Road side of the building for future renovations that will support connection and engagement across every subject and grade level.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting event will take place this fall, celebrating the official unveiling of the kindergarten of the future.
Join the Croft Family in bringing the kindergarten of the future to life by making a gift to The Wellington Fund in support of this transformative project. Learn more and make your gift at www.wellington.org/ROHR.