Dear Upper School Families,
We created the Wellington International Student Experience (WISE) because some lessons cannot be learned from inside a classroom.
At some point, learning must move from theory to experience. Students need to apply what they know in situations that are new, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable. That is where growth begins.
Confidence grows when students step into experiences that require them to apply what they have learned.
Soon, our juniors will begin their WISE experiences. France and Puerto Rico during spring break, and Ecuador, Norway, and Poland in May. Each trip looks different, but the purpose is the same. Students step into the world and test what they have learned about themselves and others.
Travel asks more of our young people. They navigate unfamiliar places, communicate across cultures, and take responsibility for their choices. There are moments when things feel uncertain. Those moments are important because our children work through them and discover something important: they are capable.
Confidence grows from competence. Perspective grows from experience.
When they return home, they often carry something new with them. A broader understanding of the world. A deeper appreciation for different cultures. A stronger sense of confidence that comes from realizing they can handle more than they once believed possible.
Spring break is around the corner, and the final months of the year are ahead of us. The work now is to stay engaged, take responsibility for the opportunities in front of us, and finish the year with purpose.
I want to share some personal news with our community. Beginning this summer, I will be joining The Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, as their Head of Upper School. While I am excited about this next chapter, my focus remains on Wellington and finishing the year well with our students and faculty. I am deeply grateful to the students, teachers, and all of you who have trusted, supported, and partnered with me during my time here. This community means a great deal to me, and it has been a privilege to share in the work of helping students grow. We still have important months ahead together, and I look forward to making the most of the time we have left this year.
Best,
Rishi
Rishi Raghunathan
Head of Upper School
PS: Please do not forget to sign up for parent/caregiver conferences with your child's advisor on 3/19/26 (4-8 p.m.) or 3/20/26 (8 a.m.-noon). This time will be used to review 2026-2027 course requests.
Important Dates
03/12/26 - 03/14/26: US Theatre - "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," 7:30 p.m.
03/16/26: US Parent/Caregiver Conference Sign-ups Close, 12 p.m.
03/20/26 - 04/03/26: No School (Spring Break)
03/20/26 - 04/01/26: WISE France
03/24/26 - 03/30/26: WISE Puerto Rico
04/06/26: Classes Resume (Regular Schedule)
04/07/26: US Parent Coffee, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
04/09/26 - 04/11/26: Ohio Youth in Government
04/10/26: Jag Friday Dress Down
04/13/26 - 04/17/26: US Arts Week
04/15/26: WISE Parents/Caregivers Orientation (Ecuador, Norway, Poland), 6:30 p.m.
04/22/26: US Pinson Day
04/24/26: US Trimester 3 Comments Post
04/29/26: US Strings/Band/Choir Concert, 6:30 p.m.
05/01/26: US Prom
05/01/26: Grandparents and Special Friends Celebration
05/04/26 - 05/15/26: AP Tests
Prom 2026
- Date: 05/01/26
- Time: 8-10 p.m.
- Location: Columbus Zoo
- Purchase tickets here. (Price will increase on 03/20/26).
- Submit and complete this form to register outside guests.
- Students must be present for Grandparents and Special Friends Celebration to attend prom.