O'Neal Elementary serves students in grades 1-3 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and is home to the district's special education program for lower elementary students — reflecting our deep commitment to serving every child's unique needs. O'Neal is ranked among the top elementary schools in Missouri by U.S. News & World Report, with students consistently performing above both district and state averages in math and reading. The school has also been recognized as a Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School for six consecutive years, an honor that reflects the staff's daily commitment to building meaningful relationships with every student.
As a Professional Learning Community, staff collaborate around student data and best practices to drive instruction, and our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework ensures a safe, consistent environment for all learners. Perhaps O'Neal's most beloved tradition is its St. Jude Math-A-Thon, which began at the school in 1989. Over 37 consecutive years, Poplar Bluff Schools has contributed over $1.26 million to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — an exclusive record among school districts nationally — a testament to the compassion and community spirit that defines O'Neal Elementary.