PRIVATE SCHOOL CLIFTON PARK, NY: WHERE PLAY, PRAY AND LEARN COME TOGETHER

A private, values-based Catholic school serving Preschool through First Grade in the Capital Region for over 20 years.

PRIVATE SCHOOL CLIFTON PARK, NY: WHERE PLAY, PRAY AND LEARN COME TOGETHER

A private, values-based Catholic school serving Preschool through First Grade in the Capital Region for over 20 years.

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Our Philosophy

Learning That Reaches Every Child

Not every child learns the same way, and at Mother Teresa Academy, we have built our entire program around that truth. Our hands-on, experiential learning approach is designed to reach auditory, tactile, and interactive learners alike. Because we maintain low student-to-faculty ratios, our devoted educators can give each child the individualized attention they deserve, pushing them further with accelerated and advanced coursework in a safe, encouraging, and faith-centered setting. This is not a daycare. This is an Academy, and the difference shows in every lesson, every chapel service, and every child who walks through our doors.

our story

Founded to Fill a Need, Built to Last

Mother Teresa Academy was founded over 20 years ago when local Catholic schools were closing and families in the Clifton Park area had few quality private options. Our founder, drawing on her background in nursing and education, set out to create a stable, faith-based alternative right here in the community. What started with six students has grown into a school of approximately 155, fueled almost entirely by word-of-mouth recommendations from the families we serve. We own our building, our staff treat their roles as careers rather than jobs, and our commitment to the "Play, Pray and Learn" philosophy has never wavered. That kind of stability is rare, and it is something every MTA family can count on.

20+

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Celebrating Our Legacy of Faith, Leadership & Community

For decades, Mother Teresa Academy has been recognized for its commitment to faith-based education, dedicated leadership, and lasting impact on the families we serve. Explore magazine features and community stories that highlight our school's history, the Maddalone family's vision, and the traditions that continue to shape generations of students.

Our Commitments

Six Pillars That Define the MTA Experience

Every decision we make at Mother Teresa Academy comes back to these core commitments. They are the reason families in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, and across the Capital Region continue to choose MTA generation after generation.

Academic Rigor

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We offer accelerated and advanced courses starting in Preschool and continuing through First Grade. Our curriculum is designed to prepare children for the academic demands ahead while keeping learning joyful and engaging.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

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Our Monthly Character Values program focuses on qualities like kindness, responsibility, and respect. These are not add-ons; they are woven into the daily life of the school so that children practice these values in real, meaningful ways.

Safety and Stability

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MTA owns its building at 1 Executive Park Drive in Clifton Park. Combined with a long-tenured staff and 20-plus years of continuous operation, this ownership provides a level of institutional stability that is rare in private early childhood education.

Family Partnership

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We view enrollment as the beginning of a partnership. Parents are kept informed, involved, and supported throughout their child's time at MTA. The school is an extension of your family, not a service provider you hand your child off to.

Enrichment Beyond the Classroom

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Spanish language classes, school performances and concerts, field trips, and student enrichment activities give children a broad, well-rounded educational experience that goes far beyond standard academic instruction.

Accessible Enrollment

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We believe the right family should never be turned away for financial reasons alone. Our financial assistance program is available for qualifying families, and our personal tour process ensures every family fully understands the value and community they are joining before making a decision.

Enrichment and Extras

Programs Designed to Help Every Child Thrive

From Preschool through First Grade, plus extended care and summer camp, Mother Teresa Academy offers faith-centered, hands-on programs that support each child’s academic, social, and character development.

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Preschool

Our Preschool program uses hands-on, experiential learning to nurture foundational academic and social skills. Children build confidence, develop language, and begin their journey as engaged, curious learners in a safe, faith-centered setting.

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Pre-Kindergarten

With four Pre-K classrooms, our Pre-Kindergarten program prepares children for the academic and social demands of Kindergarten. Our accelerated approach ensures children arrive at Kindergarten ready to lead, not catch up.

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Kindergarten

Kindergarten at MTA combines academic rigor with creativity and independence. Children are challenged through advanced coursework while continuing to grow in faith, character, and community within our close-knit private school environment.

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First Grade

Our First Grade program builds critical thinking skills and advanced academic growth in a faith-centered classroom. Small class sizes and devoted educators ensure every student is pushed to reach their full potential.

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AM and PM Extended Care

We offer AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school needs. PM Care is available for MTA students and alumni. Families of Shenendehowa students seeking PM care arrangements must contact Shen directly by the April 15th deadline.

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Summer Camp

Exciting weekly themes, outdoor adventures, enrichment activities, and flexible scheduling create an unforgettable summer experience.

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Additional Educational Offerings

Students grow academically, spiritually, and socially through Catholic education, enrichment programs, Spanish instruction, chapel activities, field trips, and student performances.

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Family Support Services

From admissions assistance and school tours to extended childcare and summer camp, we're here to support your family throughout every stage of your educational journey.

What Families Are Saying

A School Built on Word-of-Mouth Trust

Common Questions

Answers to Your Questions About Mother Teresa Academy

  • What ages and grade levels does Mother Teresa Academy accept?

    Mother Teresa Academy enrolls children starting at age 3 in our Nursery program and continues through First Grade. Our full program includes Nursery, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade. Each level is designed to build on the last, so many of our families stay with us from their child's very first school experience all the way through early elementary. If you are unsure whether your child's age qualifies for a specific program, we encourage you to schedule a personal tour so we can walk you through the options that fit your family best.

  • Is Mother Teresa Academy affiliated with the Catholic Church?

    Yes, Mother Teresa Academy is a private, values-based Catholic school. Faith is woven into every part of the school day, including daily morning chapel services, Bible lessons, and a Monthly Character Values program that focuses on qualities like kindness, responsibility, and respect. While our faith identity is central to who we are, families from a range of backgrounds are welcome to schedule a tour and learn more about whether MTA is the right fit for their child and their values.

  • How does MTA support children who learn differently, such as tactile or interactive learners?

    Our entire curriculum is built around the reality that not every child learns the same way. Mother Teresa Academy uses a hands-on, experiential learning approach specifically designed to reach auditory, tactile, and interactive learners. Rather than relying on passive instruction, our educators use activities, discovery-based lessons, and intentional play to engage children at the level that works best for them. Combined with our low student-to-faculty ratios, this means teachers can adapt their approach to each individual child rather than teaching to the middle of the room.

  • Does MTA offer before and after school care for working families?

    Yes. Mother Teresa Academy offers AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school needs. PM Care is available for current MTA students as well as MTA alumni. Families of Shenendehowa students who are interested in PM care through MTA should be aware that arrangements must be made by contacting Shen directly by the April 15th deadline. If you have questions about extended care options, our team is happy to walk you through the details during a scheduled tour or phone consultation.

  • How does the MTA Summer Camp work and how is it priced?

    MTA's Summer Camp is a 6-week program with flexible attendance, meaning families only pay for the weeks their child actually attends rather than committing to the full session upfront. Optional AM Care and PM Care add-ons are available for families who need coverage before and after standard camp hours. The program includes enrichment activities consistent with MTA's hands-on, faith-centered approach, making it a great option for families in the Clifton Park and Capital Region area who want a structured, engaging summer experience.

  • Is financial assistance available for families who cannot cover the full cost of tuition?

    Yes, Mother Teresa Academy has a financial assistance program available for qualifying families. One of the reasons we do not publish tuition figures publicly is to ensure that cost does not become a barrier before a family has had the chance to understand the full value of an MTA education. We strongly encourage families who have concerns about affordability to schedule a personal tour. During that visit, our team can walk you through the financial assistance options and help you determine whether MTA is a realistic fit for your family's situation.

  • How does MTA compare to the Shenendehowa Universal Pre-K program?

    Mother Teresa Academy is a private school alternative to the Shenendehowa full-day program and state-funded Universal Pre-K. The key differences are individualized attention through low student-to-faculty ratios, accelerated and advanced coursework, daily faith integration through chapel and Bible lessons, and a close-knit community environment that larger public programs cannot replicate. MTA also offers extended care options and a Summer Camp program, making it a more complete solution for families who need both academic excellence and flexible scheduling throughout the year.

  • What should families new to the Clifton Park area know about enrolling at MTA?

    Mother Teresa Academy is especially welcoming to families who are new to the Capital Region, including those relocating from other states or internationally. Our 20-year history, long-standing staff, and close-knit community mean that new families find their footing quickly. The best first step is to schedule a personal tour, which allows our team to meet your family, answer your questions, and help you understand whether MTA is the right fit. We serve families from Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Scotia, and the broader Capital Region, so regardless of exactly where you have settled, we are likely close by.
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