About
From the Head of School
John Samples, Head of School
A familiar and respected member of The O’Neal School community, John Samples brings a unique blend of leadership experience, institutional knowledge, and deep commitment to the School’s mission. As a parent of O’Neal alumni, former coach, Trustee, and founder of O’Neal’s former Leadership Academy, he has dedicated more than a decade to supporting and strengthening the O’Neal experience for students and families.
Samples brings decades of leadership experience from his distinguished military career, where he served in numerous command and administrative roles and earned multiple honors, including the Legion of Merit. He holds degrees from Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, and the U.S. Army War College.
His connection to O’Neal extends beyond leadership and service. In an essay reflecting on the School’s impact, Samples described O’Neal as “a community of like-minded people who share one indisputable goal: we want our children to change the world by living to their potential.” That belief continues to guide his vision for the School and its students.
The O'Neal School
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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