John Benson Chapter

DAR Supported Schools

Tamassee DAR School, founded by South Carolina DAR in 1919, gives deserving boys and girls a home, a school, and a chance in life. A faith in God and the principles of citizenship and patriotism remain the foundation of the school. Grades kindergarten through 5th are on campus.Studies are continued at Tamassee-Salem High School for grades 6-12. There are approximately 45 boarding students and 450 day students. A pre-school center for children fills a community need. Both schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, founded on Gunter Mountain by the Alabama DAR in 1924, is a day school, kindergarten through 12th grade, serving an area of 100 square miles. Enrollment averages 1,300 students yearly. Special emphasis is placed on responsible citizenship, academic achievement, and horticultural and computer skills. Preparation for college and vocational training are important parts of the curriculum.

Berry College, Georgia, was founded in 1902 to provide high school education to rural youth and became the first approved DAR school in 1904. It was developed into a college in 1926, and today it is one of the outstanding comprehensive colleges in the South, with fully accredited art, science, and professional programs as well as specialized graduate programs in education and business administration.

Crossnore School, Inc., North Carolina, was founded in the early 1900s to give the children from the mountains and foothills of North Carolina a home while attending public schools in Avery County. The school also provides day care services for local children.

Hillside School, Inc., Massachusetts, was founded in 1901 as a rural home for boys who were orphaned or otherwise without a home or family. It now provides a structural and supportive environment for students with learning problems. Its program stresses reading, writing, math, science, literature, social studies, fine arts, and industrial arts.

Hindman Settlement School, Kentucky, was founded in 1902 to provide an educational opportunity for the youth of the mountains. Its major educational emphasis today is its work with students with dyslexic characteristics. This is the only program of its type within 200 miles. It also offers an Adult Basic Education/GED Program.

Each of these schools is given financial assistance by DAR members, including scholarships, material donations, and genuine personal interest. Over $1 million is given annually by the DAR to support these schools.

The DAR, through its American Indians Committee, assists in the education of Indian youth through scholarships and support of Bacone College, Muskogee, Oklahoma, the oldest continuing institution of higher learning in Oklahoma, and Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon. Good citizenship and love of country are taught at all of these schools.

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