Brand new iPad won’t load/open aol mail
It tells me I’m offline & to go to settings. I don’t see anything in settings about this.
I understand you have a brand new iPad and need to set it up, but you are encountering difficulties.
Here are the instructions for adding an email account to your iPad: Add and remove email accounts on iPad - Apple Support
AOL should be one of the choices.
If you are really unable to get online you won't even make it that far, so you will need to begin with Connect iPad to the internet - Apple Support first.
If you remain stuck contact Apple, here: Official Apple Support. Initial setup assistance is complimentary and Apple will be happy to help.