Serving 364 students in grades 5-8, Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 364 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School's student population of 364 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
364 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Year Founded
1924
School Rankings
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,285 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#567 out of 1285 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
4%
11%
Black
n/a
32%
White
90%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School's ranking?
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School is ranked #567 out of 1,285 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School often compared to?
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kate D Smith Dar Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% AL state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School?
364 students attend Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School?
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School offer ?
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School part of?
Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School is part of Marshall County School District.
School Reviews
Review Kate Duncan Smith Dar Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.