A Bold Leap Campus Plan
A Bold Leap Forward
Wellington's Campus Plan
A Bold Plan for a Bright Future
As part of the Bold Leap Strategic Plan, this campus plan ensures our physical spaces reflect and support the excellence, creativity, and ambition of Wellington’s educational vision. Starting this summer, we will begin demolition of the original 1918 portion of the building, construction of a new Upper School entrance, and a significant renovation of the Fishinger Road side of campus. When complete in late 2027, this transformational project will include nearly 70,000 square feet of space, creating a dynamic new home for our Upper School, enhanced visual and performing arts spaces, and thoughtful new outdoor and community spaces.
A New Home for Upper School
A brand new, state-of-the-art entrance will welcome Upper School students to their new home on Fishinger Road - a completely renovated space within Wellington's original walls that will include an expansive two-story lobby off of the new entrance, a center for alumni and college counseling, and reimagined classrooms.
Enhanced Visual and Performing Arts Spaces
Renovated art studios and ensemble classrooms, new practice rooms, increased seating in the Blanchard Performing Arts Center, renovated green room and scene shop, and new theatre classroom will support our talented students and faculty as the visual and performing arts programs continue to flourish.
Thoughtful Outdoor and Community Spaces
Thoughtful new spaces will expand opportunities for students and faculty to spend meaningful time outdoors for learning, collaboration, and community building through enhancements to the Wilkins Courtyard and the creation of a new courtyard near the Upper School entrance. Multiple indoor commons spaces and a new learning cafe will support small group study and informal student connection in settings that reflect the world that's waiting for them after graduation.
Transformation Rooted in History
Once complete, this project brings Wellington's history full circle. When the founders purchased our 22‑acre campus in 1981, they acquired the original Perry Township schoolhouse built in 1918 along with the addition constructed behind it in the mid‑twentieth century when it served as an Upper Arlington elementary school. These buildings became Wellington’s first home, and over the decades the campus has grown and evolved around them. The project includes the demolition of the 1918 schoolhouse and the complete renovation of the 1950s portion of the building, and in so doing, finishes the build out of Wellington's campus while honoring its roots.
The Power of Community
This work is made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Wellington families whose belief in the School's vision has allowed the project to move forward. This transformational project will ultimately take all of us, and we look forward to sharing more about how our full community can be part of what we build together in the months ahead.
Campus Plan Updates
On May 22, Head of School Eliza McLaren sent her monthly update to the Wellington community, including a recap of the May 9 event when founding families, trustees, faculty, alumni, and friends spanning five decades gathered to honor the 1918 building before its pending demolition.
On April 8, Head of School Eliza McLaren announced the construction of a new Upper School entrance and the renovation of the Fishinger Road side of the campus.