It was founded in 1898 by Ms. Lulie Jones as Florence Free Kindergarten. The original purpose was to provide a school for the children of the mothers who were working in the cotton mills of East Florence. The school was named in memory of it's first teacher and children's author, Maud McKnight Lindsay, upon her death in 1941. Miss Maud, as she was affectionately known, was a wonderful teacher who'
s "curriculum" included love of God, country, and books. Those same principles are continued in the curriculum today. The school remained in operation through the 2019/2020 school year and remained completely free, existing on donations from the city of Florence, Shoals Junior League, and individuals. Although named "Kindergarten," in its later years the school was open to children 4 years of age (as 5 year old Kindergarten is in the public system). Registration was always based on a first come, first serve basis, there were no income requirements - following the original practice of the school. Having been in operation for over 100 years, many generations of the same family have passed through the doors of Maud Lindsay Free Kindergarten. Not only is it one of the Shoals area's Historic Treasures, it became a family tradition for many.
