Academics

Upper School

Welcome to the Upper School,
 
Here in the Upper School, we believe in creating a robust learning environment that challenges students to achieve their personal best. We promise that each student will be known, nurtured, encouraged, and well. We take our responsibility of partnering with our families seriously as we co-create learning experiences that push our students towards excellence. In doing this, we strive for both rigorous instruction and an understanding of individual talents and needs. Our stellar faculty are skilled in reflexive pedagogy and possess a deep mastery of their content areas. In short, students will be both challenged and supported rendering the ultimate high school experience. 
 
Our students are leaders and mindful citizens. With the help of our faculty and staff they imagine, execute, and enjoy a broad array of student activities and organizations. The focus at The O’Neal School is to create opportunities for students to explore their passions and support them as they navigate, lead, and manage their pursuits. From chess to drama, student forum to Science Olympiad, we offer many choices. The level of commitment to these groups can be an all-encompassing passion, to simply “popping by” at a lunch meeting. The students drive our student life program, and we support and encourage that drive.
 
Our mission runs through the artistic, academic, activity, and athletic pillars of our school. We carry a culture of both challenge and care. Whether it be in the art studio, on the soccer field, or in the AP chemistry classroom, your child will receive the finest college preparatory education possible. We encourage you to explore our program more.
 
Welcome!

List of 7 items.

  • Pursuit of Excellence

    Students dedicated to excellence in a unique way can work with Upper School administration to craft a schedule that allows for rigorous academics as well as the time outside of school to dedicate to their talents and interests.  This flexibility gives students a customized academic experience.

  • Advanced Placement Course Offerings

    Advanced Placement (AP) courses at The O’Neal School provide motivated Upper School students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous, college‑level study within a supportive learning environment. O’Neal offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses, primarily in the junior and senior years, allowing students to pursue depth across disciplines. With 97% of O’Neal AP exams earning a score of 3 or higher, students consistently demonstrate strong academic preparation. 
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  • Sandhills Community College (SCC) Dual Enrollment and Online Courses

    O’Neal Upper School students may enhance their academic experience through dual enrollment with Sandhills Community College (SCC). Juniors and seniors with an unweighted GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible to enroll in SCC courses through the Career and College Promise program. 
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  • One Schoolhouse Online Courses

    Through One Schoolhouse, The O’Neal School expands academic opportunities by offering high-quality online courses taught by experienced independent school educators. O’Neal covers the tuition for one approved One Schoolhouse course per student during their Upper School career. 
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  • Signature Scholars Research Program (SSRP)

    The Signature Scholars Research Program (SSRP) is a selective, two-year academic experience for intellectually curious upperclassmen at The O’Neal School.
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  • Independent Study

    Another element to consider for a tailored academic experience is the development of an independent study.  Independent studies are typically offered to Juniors or Seniors who have a unique interest in a field of study.  Students work with Upper School administration to craft a plan of study that includes things such as research, field work, experiential learning, and unique demonstration of learning opportunities.  Independent studies require strong academic and independent work skills.

  • Travel

    The O'Neal School has a long history of offering domestic and international student travel.  Trips occur throughout the year and over the summer.  Student groups have traveled around the United States as well as countries in North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Asia.  These opportunities provide rich opportunities for students to see the world and have life-changing experiences with their peers.

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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.
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