Admissions
How to Apply

Applying to the Lower School

Early childhood admissions at O’Neal (Pre-K, JK, K,) seeks to identify those applicants who would be successful within the context of the learning environment offered. Based on years of professional experience, decisions encompass all the factors which predict a “good fit” between student and school. Specifically, our placement recommendations are influenced primarily by determining each child’s developmental level of functioning rather than relying solely on chronological age, measures of intelligence, or academic achievement. Applicants for Pre-K 3 must be 3 years of age and applicants for Kindergarten must be 5 years of age by August 31st of the school year that they are seeking enrollment.
 
Admissions for first through fourth grade is a selective process based on an assessment of a child’s classroom visit, previous school records, a current school recommendation, and performance on an assessment conducted by an O’Neal faculty member. The Admissions Committee strives to determine an applicant’s readiness and ability to succeed in our program as compared with current and applying students.

Admissions Checklist: Lower School

List of 4 items.

  • Application

    • Applications for the upcoming school year open in the Fall. 
    • Complete online application
    • Submit a $100 application fee

  • Campus Tour

    Once an application has been submitted, parents are encouraged to schedule a campus tour with the Admissions office. Please know that tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. 

  • Student Records Release (K-4th Only)

    The online application will email Teacher Recommendation and Records Requests.

  • Playdates and Testing

    For Pre-K, applicants will be invited to campus for an evaluative playdate.
     
    For JK through 4th grade, applicants will be invited to complete a one on one assessment with a grade-appropriate faculty member.
O'Neal makes all admission decisions without regard to financial status. Families who have reviewed their financial situation and feel that help may be needed in paying tuition should apply for aid. Financial aid awards are available for Junior Kindergarten - 12th students who demonstrate need.

Important Admissions Dates

November 1, 2024: Admissions Applications Available Online and Campus Tours Begin

January 1, 2025: Financial Aid Applications Available Online
 
January-February 2025: Play Dates and Individual Testing/Assessments

February-March 2025: Notification of Lower School Admissions Decisions Begin
 
March 2025: Notification of Financial Aid Decisions

April-September 2025: Rolling admission based on availability.
 

Kids Club (3:15 - 6:00 PM)

Kids Club is a structured, welcoming environment offered to Lower School students between the hours of 3:15-6:00 p.m. We lovingly bridge the gap between the school day and home for our working parents! Our program provides a daily snack, outside free time, and themed monthly activities which include STEM, arts & crafts, life skills, and organized games. Our Pre-Kindergarten students can join Kids Club on days that they are already enrolled for extended day.

To learn more, please email Director of Kids Club Heather Rabon.

The O'Neal School

3300 Airport Road
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: 910.692.6920
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
© The O'Neal School