The Main Street Academy

The lower academy is better than the upper academy, however, that is not saying much. The current principal is cheerful, but spineless. At the risk of sounding like an elitist, the school is full of riff raff. Most of the students come from lower income families down 29/14 in college park, east point and union city. There is a problem with bullies and all the great involved parents are leaving to attend their local schools or private schools. The great parents that remain do so only because their local school is just a bad or they cannot afford private school. If you cannot afford private school, then home school. Either way, I would rob a bank or dance on a pole to make money for private school versus return to this school. First year was pretty decent; this past year was the worst!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at TMSA for two years. 1st and 2nd grade and my husband and I are very pleased with his progress. His reading is outstanding and his mathematical skills have impoved tremendously. Math was not his strongest subject. He has had EXCELLENT teachers who have challenged him in various ways. The PTO Leadership is awesome and the School Leadership is awesome. I am a very involved parent and have never had a problem speaking with my son's teacher, the Academy Director or the Principal. In the two years that I have been at TMSA I have found that anytime I wanted to be involved with the school as a whole (not just my son) that mine and my husband's presence was always welcomed. The school is NOT geared toward low income families, it is geared toward families who take their child's educational foundation seriously and want a challenging public choice. In the areas that I found problamatic (very few) I have offered help to improve those areas. Again, parent input and involvement is not only strongly encouraged . . . IT IS REQUIRED!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend TMSA. One in the upper academy and the other in the lower academy. I LOVE the lower academy. The teachers/other staff are AWESOME the atmosphere is welcoming. On the other had the upper academy is... well unprofessional and unorganized. I had a question regarding my child's grade and it was like searching for a needle in a hay stack trying to get someone to get back in touch with me. My husband and I went through 4 different admins staff as well as going up to the school, it was not UNTIL I had a conversation over the phone with the principal that I received a return call. UNACCEPTABLE!!!! They make it very difficult for parents to be involved BUT they always (talk) about how they want parents invovled. NOT to mention the constant turn over in staff members. Would I recommend the upper academy.... NOT AT ALL with the current staff in place. Would I recommand the lower academy.. ABSOLUTELY without a second guess!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended TMSA for the last 2 years. He likes the school for the most part. He had a few uncomftable moments at TMSA, but of course the staff and Principal were right on board to help resolve our issues. We loved TMSA the first year the school opened. And we know it's only the second year, but we are not feeling that the school staff is there for the battle of keeping the good school image ongoing. I am at TMSA through out the day and see a lot of things that I don't like. More dislikes than likes. It's mostly geared toward low income families. If they can weed out most of the families that are not willing to do their part, it might reached potential. Also, the staff creates a lot of insecure students by yelling alot at the kids. We are not returning to TMSA. And if you asked me why, I could give you more reasons not to attend.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our second year with the school. I have a 2nd, 4th and 7th grader and am so please with the growth and leadership. I am looking forward to Main Street being by school of choice for the next however many years.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school and the teachers. The principal is the best!!! I have a son in the 5th grade and I can't wait for my daughter to start there next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was in the lower academy last year. We are very proud to be a part of the first classes of TMSA. This school is a breath of fresh air. Fulton County school system has failed us in previous years and having an alternate choice is HUGE! My son has started Kindergarten this year and he is soo happy there. When my children are happy and challenged, it makes me that much happier. TMSA Is a cut above the rest! I can't wait to see whats to come next. They have grown so much within 1 year! Awesome staff, kids and families! My goal/wish for TMSA is for them to have access to their own bldg for both academies VERY SOON. GO TMSA!!! WE Believe in YOU! :D
--Submitted by a parent

The Main Street Academy (TMSA) is a bright ray of hope. The public schools in this area have tended to be among Atlanta's lowest-performing. So my wife and I have been thrilled to witness and be an active part of TMSA's evolution. Pros: a) an exceptional principal, Mr. Raine Hackler, who has the skills and enthusiasm that make it easy for teachers, staff, parents and students to get behind; b) a fantastic parent community that pitches in to help again and again; c) an overall excellent teaching staff, mostly consisting of young teachers full of vigor; and d) a diverse group of students. Cons: a) the school is split between two temporary campuses (space rented from local churches), which is less than ideal in terms of staff availability; b) the TAG program wasn't rolled out the first year; c) like many charter schools, there are financial concerns that will need to be navigated. I'm extremely optimistic about our school, in terms of its potential for success and ability to overcome obstacles. The keys are an intelligent, passionate faculty, and involved, caring parents. With those two in place, any child can excel and our school can fly. I believe in TMSA.
--Submitted by a parent