Dear Wellington Community,
As the school year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on just how much can happen in ten short months. We began the year with a shared commitment to curiosity and responsibility—and I’m proud to say we sustained that commitment across every corner of campus: in student projects and assemblies, at parent coffees, in strategic planning sessions, and in the everyday decisions that shape our learning environment.
I am deeply grateful to be part of a community that stretches, questions, listens, and grows together. As we wrap up the year, I want to share with you a personal tradition—my end-of-year gratitude list.
LOOKING BACK
Eliza’s 2024–25 Wellington Gratitude List
- A warm welcome. From day one, I felt the embrace of this extraordinary community. Thank you.
- Our students. Their individuality, energy, and brilliance never cease to amaze me. At Wellington, we never underestimate the capacity of children.
- Support for teachers. The community’s commitment to our faculty was evident throughout the year. We truly have the finest educators here.
- Powerful conversations. My learning tour—especially the 1:1 conversations with employees, Trustees, and founding families—was a highlight of the year.
- Staying true to our mission. Even amid a polarized world, we modeled curiosity, authenticity, empathy, ambition, and responsibility. No easy feat. Go, Jags!
- My colleagues. I feel so lucky to work alongside a team of exceptional educators and purpose-driven leaders.
This year was a joy and an honor. Thank you for your partnership and for trusting me to lead this outstanding school community.
A few recent highlights
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We are so excited to celebrate them at graduation today. The most bittersweet part of being an educator is sending off a group of students each year that we have come to love. This group is particularly special to me as they welcomed me with such open arms in my first year. They have been terrific leaders of the school. They are ready to achieve and contribute in their next schools. Click here to see the matriculations list. (In addition, I’m very proud to share that seven seniors committed to pursuing their sport at the next level!)
Enrollment & Retention:
As of today, 740 students are enrolled for next year, the highest enrollment in Wellington history, and we are fully staffed to support our signature small classes and low teacher:student ratio. We’ll welcome back 635 returning students (a 92% retention rate), joined by over 100 new Jags. Entry points in kindergarten and grade 6 were more competitive than ever, with both fully enrolled and waitlisted. A few seats remain in select grades, so if you know a family who would be a great fit for Wellington, please encourage them to connect with our admissions team.
Philanthropy:
We've raised $840,000 to date for The Wellington Fund, eclipsing our $535,000 goal. This includes 53% parent participation. Thank you! As you know, participation matters most to me—it’s the clearest sign of our shared belief in Wellington’s mission. My hope remains for every family to make the gift at the level that’s right for them. If you haven't yet made a gift this year, please consider doing so here: https://give.wellington.org.
Innovation in Teaching:
Wellington continues to support teacher-led creativity through Engagement Grants. Designed to move Wellington forward as the best place to teach and learn, these grants support projects that deepen engagement and strengthen our learning community. We are excited to award 14 grants to support teachers' creative ideas for next year. See next year’s awarded projects here.
Curriculum Updates:
Assistant Head of School Shelley Brown and I recently hosted a coffee to preview exciting academic enhancements for next year, including:
- A new 5/4 Upper School schedule
- Updated Middle School schedule and math pathways
- Honors Humanities courses in Grades 7–10
- Upcoming professional development opportunities for our teachers
Look for a blog post from Shelley soon with full details.
LOOKING AHEAD
I believe the best aspirations come from a place of deep gratitude and clear-eyed ambition.
Strategic Planning
This month, the Board of Trustees formally affirmed A Bold Leap: 2032, Wellington’s strategic plan guiding us to our 50th anniversary. The result of a yearlong, community-wide conversation, this plan is not a departure from who we are—it’s a deepening of our shared excellence. It centers on three shared purposes:
- People & Place: Wellington will be the best place to teach and learn for those seeking educational excellence in a highly connected, future-focused community.
- Program: We will elevate the standard for educational excellence and student engagement.
- Potential: We will strengthen our financial foundation, ensuring permanence and continued growth.
Mark your calendars for Leap Night on September 30—an adults-only evening to celebrate, connect, kick off the school year, and officially launch A Bold Leap: 2032.
Investing in Our Community
I’m thrilled to announce that Latisha Humphries will join Wellington as our Director of Community Engagement and Belonging. This leadership team role will expand our service-learning and community engagement programming and ensure that every student and family feels a genuine sense of inclusion. At Wellington, belonging is an aspirational promise rooted in our founding DNA. Latisha brings tremendous passion and vision to this work. Read her bio here.
As summer approaches, I hope you feel as proud and energized as I do about our incredible school. To our senior families and those moving on—please know: once a Jag, always a Jag. You’ll always have a place in our Leap. And to the rest of you—I can’t wait to see you in the fall!
Thanks for all you do for Wellington, and... Go, Jags!
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Eliza McLaren |