An information session and campus tours will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. for all families interested in learning more about The O'Neal School.

During the information session, families will have the opportunity to hear from and speak with Headmaster Alan Barr, Director of Admissions Alice Droppers, the division directors, faculty as well as current O'Neal parents and students. Guided tours of the campus will also be given.

The 2012-2013 school year continues to progress with technology, enrichment and new learning practices.

O'Neal's McMurray Library has now evolved into a true media center as 17 computers have been installed in the space. The addition of Macs and PCs to the library gives students many facets for research and other student projects. Mobile iPad carts have been installed in the Lower School and Middle School for classroom use.

The O'Neal Lower School continues to grow its "after-school clubs" program to provide continued enrichment for students. Such clubs include Ecology Club, Spelling Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Battle of the Books, Engineering Fundamentals with Legos, Chorus, Photography Club and more.

The purpose of the program is to contribute to the development of the "whole child" by extending learning and enrichment activities beyond the regular school day with the intention of creating interest and learning opportunities, beyond the regular curriculum, within a caring environment.

The perspective of education is slowly focusing on the importance of learning how to learn, interaction with each other, and active discussion on topics.

Created at the renowned Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, the Harkness Method of learning involves a class of students that sit around a large table and have open discussion on a particular topic of study. As students interact with each other, they learn to listen carefully to each other's thoughts, speak respectfully and accept new ideas while questioning old ones. They learn how to use new knowledge and enjoy the richness of human interaction. The students are evaluated on their involvement with the discussion. O'Neal's Upper School literature classes use this method of learning as a pilot for consideration for a diversity of other subjects next year.

Serving students from pre-K3 to grade 12, The O'Neal School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and has dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Students from counties surrounding Moore and beyond are enrolled at O'Neal. Bus transportation to and from O'Neal is provided in Lee, Scotland, Richmond and Moore counties.

For more information about enrollment at The O'Neal School, call Alice Droppers, director of admissions, at (910) 692-6920 or visit www.ONeal School.org.