COLUMBUS, OH (October 3, 2025) – The Wellington School today announced a landmark $5 million gift from the Scantland family. This is the largest gift in the school’s 43-year history. The transformative investment will establish a permanent endowment dedicated to attracting, retaining, and empowering outstanding educators through competitive compensation and professional growth opportunities.
“Our family believes deeply in the power of amazing teachers, and it is an honor to support Wellington’s vision to lead with people as it redefines what great education can be,” said Matt Scantland, Vice Chair of the Wellington Board of Trustees.
“It has been a priority of Wellington's since its founding, and a priority of our family’s philanthropy across a number of causes, to ensure that students from all socio-economic backgrounds can access high-quality education.” Matt continued “This new Endowment advances Wellington's people-centric vision by attracting and retaining passionate, game-changing educators, launching innovative academic programs that improve student outcomes, and supporting teachers’ professional growth and career goals.”
Head of School Eliza McLaren said, “Wellington is profoundly grateful for the Scantland’s affirmation of our mission and monumental support. They understand that outstanding education begins with outstanding teachers, and their commitment ensures Wellington will be able to support educators in meaningful ways for generations to come.”
Peg Scantland, Matt’s mother and an expert in literacy instruction, has supported Wellington teaching initiatives for many years, partnering with academic administrators to ensure all teachers receive intensive, research-based training in the science of reading. Today, Wellington students outperform national averages on literacy benchmarks by wide margins.
“Wellington’s commitment to faculty excellence energizes us and gives us great confidence that the School will remain an extraordinary place where both students and faculty thrive,” said Peg Scantland. “For many years now, we have seen firsthand how wisely Wellington invests its resources. We are inspired by the warmth, compassion, and generosity of this community and its commitment to future-focused, people-first academic excellence.”
For more information about The Wellington School’s mission and ways to support faculty excellence, please visit www.wellington.org/give. Gifts of every size strengthen Wellington’s tradition of future-focused education.
About The Wellington School
Founded in 1982 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. Wellington educates students in preschool through grade 12 on its 19-acre suburban campus, just two miles from The Ohio State University, and boasts a student body that comes from all across central Ohio. Students receive a world-class education within a vibrant community where they are deeply known, challenged, and supported. Wellington’s rigorous and engaging academic program is designed to spark curiosity, cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Students thrive in a vibrant community rich with possibility, including extensive opportunities to explore the arts, excel in athletics, and imagine the future through global travel and career exploration. Wellington graduates are prepared for more than college —they are ready to take on tomorrow’s world with confidence and curiosity.