Admissions

After September 15   Accepting applications for all grade levels

February 15               Application deadline for 1st round decisions

March 2                     First round admission decisions

March 17.                   Second round admissions decisions

Apr. through Aug.     Admission considered where space is available

Our application process is designed to help us to get to know you and your student well, and for you to get to know Wellington!

Our program for Little Jags (3-year-olds) through grade 4 encourages our students to actively participate in their own education by developing early the varied skills and open minds that will lead to a love of lifelong learning. Learn more about the academic programming, daily schedules, and activities that bring the Wellington early childhood and lower school experience to life.

Our middle school provides a caring community as kids transition from childhood to young adulthood. Students solve problems of increasing complexity as well as stretch and grow both academically and socially as they develop greater confidence in their abilities. Learn more about the academic programming, class schedules, clubs, and activities that bring the Wellington middle school experience to life.

Advanced courses combined with opportunities for independent projects and research empower students to dive deeply into their passions and prepare for tomorrow's world. Learn more about the academic programming, class schedules, clubs, and activities that bring the Wellington upper school experience to life.

Major dates for the 2025-2026 school year, including school closures and breaks and other major events, can be viewed here. 

Founded: 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs

Grades: Preschool through grade 12

• Early Childhood: Preschool-kindergarten
• Lower School: Grades 1-4
• Middle School: Grades 5-8
• Upper School: Grades 9-12

Students: The Wellington School has a diverse and inclusive student body.

• 750 total students (128 in early childhood, 201 in lower school, 216 in middle school, and 205 in upper school)
• Coeducational
• 40% identify as students of color

Mission and Values: We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world.

• Be Curious
• Be Yourself
• Be Ambitious
• Be Empathetic
• Be Responsible

Governance: A 21-member Board of Trustees that includes parents and alumni. 

Major Dates: Major dates for the 2025-26 school year can be found here.

Schedule: 

• Early Childhood and Lower School:
  • 7:30-8 a.m. Before Care
  • 8-8:20 a.m. Arrival
  • 8:20 a.m. School day begins
  • 3:25 p.m. School day ends
  • 3:25-6 p.m. Aftercare
• Middle School
  • 7:30-8:25 a.m. Arrival (supervision in the Middle School Commons before 8 a.m.)
  • 8-8:25 a.m. Students head to advisor's room
  • 8:25 a.m. School day begins
  • 3:30 p.m. School day ends
  • 3:30-6 p.m. Aftercare
• Upper School
  • 8-8:30 a.m. Arrival
  • 8:30 a.m. School day begins
  • 3:20 p.m. School day ends

Program Guides:

• Early Childhood & Lower School
• Middle School
• Upper School 

Average Class Size and Student-to-Teacher Ratio:

• Early Childhood & Lower School: 14-18 students in each class
• Middle School: 15 students in each class
• Upper School: 15 students in each class
• The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1

College Counseling and Matriculation: Our College Counseling program is distinctive in its empowerment of students to search for, identify, and enroll in colleges that are strong fits based on their individual passions and circumstances. The College Counseling team is comprised of three experienced counselors and staff who provide support to students and families throughout the college search and application process. View our matriculation list.

Beyond the Bell: Our Beyond the Bell programs help keep our students engaged outside the classroom before and after school. The program runs Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We've designed this time around themed activities while allowing our parents the added benefit of flexible drop off and pick up times. Learn more. 

Dining: We partner with Aladdin Campus Dining to provide balanced and delicious meals to our community, including many allergy-friendly options. Lunch is included in tuition for all grades. The Thomas Family Dining Room features numerous options including a fresh salad bar, yogurt bar, deli bar, soup, hot sandwiches, and a daily plated hot entree and plated salad. 

Location: The Wellington School is centrally located in Upper Arlington, close to downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University.

Hours:

• Early Childhood and Lower School (preschool-grade 4): 8:20 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
• Middle School (grades 5-8): 8:25 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.
• Upper School (grades 9-12): 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Before and after school care are available for early childhood, lower school, and middle school students.

Facilities: Our 19-acre campus includes flexible academic spaces, commons spaces in each division, library, MakerSpace, 400-seat performing arts center, light-filled dining room, two gardens, outdoor learning spaces, walking paths, turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.

Offerings: Wellington offers classes and programming in music, theatre, and visual arts. Beginning with our youngest learners, students in each grade have the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform multiple times throughout the year.

Facilities: The 400-seat Blanchard Performing Arts Center hosts music and theatre performances throughout the year, including grade-level plays that foster independence and public speaking skills in early childhood and lower school. 

Each division has developmentally appropriate visual arts classrooms. 

Mascot: Duke the Jaguar. Fun fact: Did you know that a group of jaguars in the wild is called a leap?

Teams;

• 34 middle and upper school teams
• Varsity competition includes: boys baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls swimming and diving, and sideline cheer.
• 84% of upper school students and 71% of middle students play at least one sport.

Facilities: Athletic facilities include a turf field and athletic pavilion, two gymnasiums with four full-size basketball courts, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and newly outfitted athletic training and locker room spaces.

Wellington Summer Program: The Wellington Summer Program provides children entering prekindergarten through grade 12 the opportunity to discover new talents, learn essential skills, tackle new obstacles, and build lasting friendships.  

Submit an online application, provide transcripts and teacher recommendations, and schedule a student visit and assessment. The checklist in our Admissions Portal makes it easy to keep track of application steps! Our admissions team can guide you through every step. 

Applications for the next school year open September 15. The first deadline is February 15. After March, we continue to review applications on a rolling, space-available basis. 

Yes. Mid-year applications are considered if space is available. Contact the admissions office to check for space availability. 

admissions@wellington.org

614-324-1564

Families can schedule a campus tour, attend a parent information session, or join us at Experience Wellington, an open house event for prospective families with students entering grades 5-12 on November 9.  

Early Childhood–Grade 4: 8:20 a.m.–3:20 p.m. 

Grades 5–8: 8:25 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 

Grades 9–12: 8:25 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 

Before Care starts at 7:30 a.m. and Aftercare runs until 6 p.m. 

Yes. Need-based tuition assistance is available to a range of income levels for students in prekindergarten-grade 12. Families apply through Clarity starting October 2. Awards vary by family and typically offset a portion of tuition, helping to make Wellington more accessible. 

Merit scholarships are available for new students: the Duke Merit Scholarship (grades 5–8) and the Gene and Ken Ackerman Scholarship (grade 9). 

Yes. Wellington offers limited bus service for an additional fee, with routes adjusted each year based on family needs. In addition, some local school districts provide transportation to our independent school in Columbus. Contact the admissions team to learn more about current options. 

Early childhood applicants participate in play-based and school-readiness screenings. Elementary applicants visit classrooms and work 1:1 with a teacher on math and literacy assessments. Middle and upper school students shadow a host, take a timed test, and interview with school leadership. 

Yes. Screenings or age-appropriate assessments are part of the admissions process for all grades. These help us understand each student’s learning style and strengths. 

Wellington offers limited support services. Families are encouraged to share existing support plans during the admissions process. If accommodations are approved, a Wellington Education Support Plan (WESP) is created for teachers. 

Yes. International applicants for grades 7-9 are welcome. English proficiency and visa requirements apply—contact the admissions team for details. 

Admissions decisions for applications that are completed for first-round decisions will be published in our Admissions Portal in March. 

Parents and caregivers of accepted students will receive an enrollment contract. A signed contract and deposit secure your child’s place at Wellington. Once your child is enrolled, a host of welcome communications, opportunities to connect with our community, and transition activities will be shared with you.