Schools
Since 1903, the Society has been helping   children in remote mountain areas receive an education. The DAR supports two schools in the Appalachian region- Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Alabama, and Tamassee DAR School, South Carolina.

Kate Duncan Smith (KDS), 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 1,000 students yearly. Special emphasis is placed on responsible citizenship, academic achievement, horticulture, and computer skills. Preparation for college and vocational training are important parts of the curriculum.

Tamassee, 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. The children are housed in small units with house parents. 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 KDS and Tamassee are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

DAR contributes clothing, gifts, and scholarships to four other schools--Hillside in Massachusetts, Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky, Berry College in Georgia, and Crossnore School, Inc., in North Carolina. Yearly donations of over one million dollars are sent to the six schools through the Treasurer General, NSDAR.

Serrano Chapter supports KDS with money, and Tamassee with money and Christmas gifts for the children in the California Pouch cottage. The other four schools are supported with money as well.

Through the DAR Scholarship Committee, scholarships are given in political science, history, government, economics, nursing, and occupational therapy. The NSDAR also gives an $8,000 American History Scholarship, $2,000 a year for four years.