Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, Inc., located on Gunter Mountain in northeast Alabama, serves grades K-12 and provides opportunities for the children of a large, rural area in the Appalachian foothills to develop a strong love of American ideals as they obtain a distinctive academic background. Emphasis is upon patriotic education throughout the curriculum. The school plant and enrollment have increased greatly in size and number since 1924. However, the same spirit of dedication to achievement, patriotic and moral values, and service to community and country, exists on the campus today as it did in the early years of this unique educational experiment of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Alabama Society DAR established the school in 1924 and named it in honor of Kate Duncan Smith (Mrs. J. Morgan), who had been the guiding hand for the Alabama Chapters for twenty-one years. In April 1928, the Alabama Daughters were joined in their noble efforts by the National Society DAR.

Several possible locations were considered for the school. The selection of the present site was determined not only for its isolation but for its great need for improved educational opportunities. The highly intelligent mountain people (many of whom were descendants of Revolutionary ancestors) were interested, enthusiastic and had a great desire for a school. This, in combination with the beauty of the location on the edge of Gunter Mountain overlooking historic Kennamer Cove, made the site ideal.

Kate Duncan Smith is more than just a school for mountain boys and girls. It is woven and ingrained into the hearts of its students and graduates and has become the major force in the development of the local population educationally, economically, socially, physically, and spiritually.

The "Gem of Gunter Mountain" stands as a monument to the love and devotion of the DAR. Because of the love and concern of Daughters everywhere, this Gem sparkles more brightly each year.

Kate Duncan Smith DAR School Board of Trustees:
• Chairman: Gary Cox  (Mrs. John A.)
  
• Vice Chairman: Jean Whatley Vaughan (Mrs. Roger C.)

• Honorary Chairman:
  Olivia Burkey (Mrs. Noel A., Jr.)
  Rita Horton (Mrs. Charles)

Additional Information may be obtained by contacting:
Administrator: Mr. Charles Edmonds, Jr.

Mr. Edmonds follows in his father's foot steps. Mr. Edmonds, Sr. served as Administrator of KDS in the 70's. Charles Edmonds, Jr. attended KDS for thirteen years graduating in 1986. For the past five years Mr. Edmonds has served KDS as their High School Principal.

Kate Duncan Smith DAR School
6077 Main Street
Grant, Alabama 35747
Telephone: (256) 728-4236
Email: KDSDAR@nehp.net
Fax: (256) 728-5633

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