For Immediate Release
August 28, 2026
Media Contact:
Jon'a Solomon, Manager of Communications, Marketing & Public Relations
(404) 337-5701 (cell) or [email protected]
Eighth-grade scholars participate in the development of TMSA’s new outdoor kitchen as part of the school’s Agriculture Program.
Community Partnership with aGROWKulture Gives TMSA Scholars Hands-On Experience in Agriculture, Construction and Sustainability
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — — The Main Street Academy (TMSA) is bringing its commitment to hands-on, real-world learning to life through its Agriculture Program and a new outdoor kitchen made possible through a meaningful community partnership.
With the support of aGROWKulture and Mr. Quinton Johnson, TMSA’s Agriculture Program has curated and built an outdoor kitchen on campus, creating an authentic farm-to-table learning environment where scholars can experience the connection between growing food, building agricultural spaces, preparing food, and strengthening community.
The project provided eighth-grade scholars with an opportunity to take learning beyond the traditional classroom and experience firsthand what it takes to build on the farm. From planning and construction to understanding how agricultural spaces can support education, creativity, and community engagement, scholars were able to see how classroom concepts translate into real-world applications.
“Through agriculture, we’re growing more than food—we’re growing curiosity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Together, we’re growing a better world, one student at a time,” said Jennifer Baker, Agriculture Specialist at The Main Street Academy.
The outdoor kitchen is part of TMSA’s continued investment in its Agriculture Program and its commitment to providing scholars with opportunities to explore, create, discover, and prepare for the future through experiential learning.
And the work is far from finished.
The outdoor kitchen is just the beginning of what’s ahead for TMSA’s Agriculture Program. Additional projects and hands-on learning experiences are planned to further develop the school’s agricultural spaces and provide scholars with opportunities to engage in meaningful, project-based learning. TMSA extends its sincere appreciation to aGROWKulture and Mr. Quinton Johnson for sharing their time, expertise, and resources to help bring this vision to life.
Community Members Can Help Grow the Program
TMSA welcomes community members, families, businesses, organizations, and agricultural partners interested in supporting the Agriculture Program. Opportunities are available to contribute time, resources, materials, expertise, or financial support. Through community partnerships, TMSA can continue creating meaningful experiences that help scholars develop practical skills while connecting their learning to the world around them.
Those interested in supporting the program are encouraged to contact Ms. Baker at [email protected].
About The Main Street Academy
The Main Street Academy (TMSA) is a tuition-free public charter school serving scholars in grades K–8 in College Park, Georgia. TMSA is committed to providing an innovative, student-centered educational experience grounded in Intentional Excellence, Centered in Community. Through its STEAM-focused learning environment, Schoolwide Enrichment Model, Agriculture Program, and hands-on opportunities, TMSA empowers scholars to explore their interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for future success.
About aGROWKulture
Rooted in family, grown for community, aGROWKulture began with Kendall Rae Johnson, one of Georgia’s youngest certified farmers, planting seeds alongside her great-grandmother. That backyard garden grew into a mission to make fresh, healthy food a part of everyday life in Southwest Atlanta.
Today, aGROWKulture is a youth-focused urban farm that feeds hundreds of families, teaches children where food comes from, and demonstrates how communities can grow their own abundance. Founded by Kendall Rae Johnson, aGROWKulture operates a one-acre farm that serves more than 300 local families while providing opportunities for young people to learn about farming through Kendall’s 4-H Farmers Club.