WELLINGTON CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION The Wellington School first opened its doors in September of 1982 with 132 students in grades K-6. It was a historic day in independent education in Columbus. Prior to Wellington, there were no co-ed independent schools in Central Ohio. Local businessman Ken Ackerman, believing that public schools were also failing to meet the needs of students, thought there needed to be a better way to educate all children. He invited friend and fellow entrepreneur Jeff Wilkins P ‘90 ‘94 to join the conversation and before long a group of likeminded individuals, including Jack Ruscilli, Bob Holland P ‘91, Dave Swaddling P ‘89 ‘91, George Minot, Harry Gard, Dave Thomas, and Len Immke, were determined to change the face of independent education. “In the beginning, to get this school off the ground,” Jeff Wilkins said, “it took entrepreneurs and risk-takers, and people willing to bet their treasure. I’m just thrilled to have been a part of it in the beginning,
PICTURED Right: Wellington’s earliest students. Below: Oliver Edwards ‘25, Olivia Kallas ‘25, Catherine Cartmell ‘25.
and I’m just amazed at where it is today.” From the beginning, Wellington’s founders were committed to creating a diverse school community that provided all students the opportunity to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts. They believed that by exploring all facets of a well-rounded education, students would ultimately be prepared to live fulfilling lives. After 35 years of innovative education, the entire Wellington community has much to celebrate as the school continues to grow and thrive beyond the founders’ greatest expectations. “I think Wellington has gone farther than we ever dreamed,” Ken Ackerman said.
“In the beginning, to get this school off the ground, it took entrepreneurs and risk-takers, and people willing to bet their treasure.” JEFF WILKINS P ‘90 ‘94
THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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