(Columbus, OH) -- The Wellington School is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Nicole Franks as its new Assistant Head of Early Childhood and Lower School, effective July 1, 2025. Franks brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education and lower school leadership, with expertise in curriculum development, teacher mentorship, student and family support, and program administration.
“Ms. Franks’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment is evident in every aspect of her leadership,” said Eliza McLaren, Wellington’s Head of School. “Her ability to connect with students, educators, and families will strengthen Wellington’s commitment to curiosity, belonging, and growth.”
Franks joins Wellington from the Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where she has served as Director of Early Childhood and Associate Director for Kindergarten–Grade 2 for the past 15 years. At Laurel, she led efforts to implement the science of reading into literacy instruction and championed initiatives in inclusivity and social-emotional learning. Her leadership also extended to guiding faculty through evaluation and professional development, ensuring innovative, research-backed curriculum alignment, and partnering closely with parents and caregivers.
Reflecting on her new role, Franks said, “Choosing Wellington is about more than joining a dynamic community—it’s about fostering an environment where students, educators, and families can grow together, challenge one another, and create lasting impact. I am delighted and honored to be part of a school deeply committed to belonging. During my visit, I was inspired by the educational agility of philosophy and approach I saw in action across campus.”
Franks will begin her role on July 1, 2025, relocating to Columbus to join the Wellington community. Her appointment reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to aligning its leadership with its mission to prepare students for tomorrow’s world.
ABOUT WELLINGTON:
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, Wellington is home to lifelong learners and lifelong leaders. Our 700 students, from three-year-olds to 12th graders, thrive as part of a community where the thrill of pursuing new experiences ignites curiosity and joy. With a focus on passion-driven learning guided by students’ interests, Wellington fosters an entrepreneurial mindset for today’s generation to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Diversity is foundational to our educational philosophy because a greater sense of belonging leads to better learning. With students from 52 zip codes and 67 countries of origin, our community represents an array of identities. Learn more about the Wellington experience at www.wellington.org.
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