About Mother Teresa Academy: 20 Years of Faith, Learning, and Community
About Mother Teresa Academy means learning the story of a school built from the ground up by a family who saw a real need in Clifton Park and answered it. Over 20 years ago, with just six students and a deep commitment to faith-centered education, MTA opened its doors to give Capital Region families a private school option grounded in strong values, hands-on learning, and genuine community. Today, our academy serves approximately 155 students of all faiths from Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Scotia, and beyond, guided by the same "Play, Pray, Learn" philosophy that has defined us from the very beginning.
MTA Private School Mission
A Clifton Park School Philosophy Built on Purpose
Mother Teresa Academy was founded with a clear purpose: to provide a private, values-based Catholic school where every child is known, challenged, and cared for. Our founder, while volunteering at a Catholic school in Schenectady, recognized that local families were losing access to faith-based education as Catholic schools in the region were closing. Drawing on a background in both nursing and education, she established MTA in Clifton Park to fill that gap with something lasting. Our Clifton Park school philosophy centers on the belief that not all students learn the same way. That is why our hands-on, experiential learning approach is designed to engage auditory, tactile, and interactive learners at every stage, from Preschool through First Grade. Low student-to-faculty ratios mean our devoted, knowledgeable educators can offer the individualized attention that accelerated and advanced instruction requires. This is not a one-size-fits-all environment. It is a close-knit academic community where your child's unique strengths are recognized and built upon every single day.
20+
YEARS IN BUSINESS
School History and Values
Our Faith-Based Education Approach and the Story Behind It
From six students to a thriving community of 155, MTA's growth has been driven almost entirely by word-of-mouth. Families who experience what this school offers tell other families, and those families tell more. That organic reputation is our greatest source of pride. Our faith-based education approach weaves daily chapel, Bible lessons, and a Monthly Character Values program into the academic day, so students are developing a moral compass alongside their reading and math skills. Values like kindness, responsibility, and respect are not occasional lessons here; they are part of the daily rhythm. Our long-standing staff is another cornerstone of what makes MTA different. Our educators have built careers here, not just jobs, and that consistency creates the kind of stability that children thrive in and parents trust. MTA also owns its building at 1 Executive Park Drive, which means we are not subject to the leasing volatility that affects many private schools. We are a permanent, stable presence in this community, and we intend to stay that way. Recognized with the Women of Distinction 2020 award, MTA continues to grow while staying true to the mission that started it all.
Common Questions
What Families Want to Know About MTA
How long has Mother Teresa Academy been serving families in Clifton Park?
Mother Teresa Academy has been serving families in Clifton Park and the surrounding Capital Region for over 20 years. The school was founded after leadership identified a growing shortage of private, faith-based education options in the area as other Catholic schools were closing. What started with just six students has grown organically into a community of approximately 155 students, a milestone driven almost entirely by word-of-mouth recommendations from families who have experienced the school firsthand.What grades and age groups does Mother Teresa Academy serve?
MTA serves children starting at age 3 through First Grade. Program levels include Nursery, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade. The school recently expanded from three to four Nursery classrooms and from three to four Pre-K classrooms to meet growing demand. Extended care options, including AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school coverage, are also available to support the full range of family schedules.What does the 'Play, Pray, Learn' philosophy look like in the classroom?
The 'Play, Pray, Learn' philosophy shapes how MTA structures each school day. Learning happens through hands-on, experiential activities designed to engage children who are auditory, tactile, or interactive learners rather than passive listeners. Faith is woven in through daily chapel services and Bible lessons. Play is treated as intentional and purposeful, with signature traditions like the Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic serving as examples of discovery-based learning. The goal is to nurture a lifelong love of learning in a safe, encouraging, and faith-centered setting.How does MTA's student-to-faculty ratio compare to public school programs?
MTA intentionally maintains low student-to-faculty ratios as a core part of its academic model. This allows educators to deliver individualized attention and offer accelerated and advanced coursework in a way that larger public classrooms simply cannot replicate. Rather than teaching to the middle of the group, MTA's teachers identify each child's learning style and pace, adjusting instruction accordingly. This is one of the primary reasons families choose MTA over public alternatives like the Shenendehowa Universal Pre-K program.Is Mother Teresa Academy affiliated with the Catholic Church, and do children need to be Catholic to enroll?
Mother Teresa Academy is a private, values-based Catholic school. Faith is integrated into daily life through morning chapel, Bible lessons, and a Monthly Character Values program that focuses on qualities like kindness, responsibility, and respect. Families from a variety of backgrounds are welcomed into the MTA community. The school's approach frames faith as a foundation for character and community, and the nurturing environment is designed to feel welcoming to all families who appreciate values-based education.What enrichment programs and activities does MTA offer beyond core academics?
Beyond core academics, MTA offers Spanish language classes, daily chapel and Bible lessons, a Monthly Character Values program, school performances and concerts, and regular field trips. The school also runs a 6-week Summer Camp program with flexible weekly attendance, along with optional AM and PM care. These offerings are designed to develop the whole child, building social skills, creative expression, and a moral foundation alongside academic readiness.Does MTA offer support for families who have recently relocated to the Clifton Park area?
MTA is well positioned to support families who are new to the Clifton Park and Capital Region area. The school's long-standing staff provides immediate consistency and stability for children adjusting to a new environment. MTA has experience welcoming families from a wide range of backgrounds, including international families transitioning from countries such as India, China, and Japan. The close-knit community atmosphere means new families are stepping into an established, welcoming community with deep roots in the area.Is financial assistance available for families concerned about tuition costs?
Yes, Mother Teresa Academy offers a financial assistance program for families who need support with tuition costs. The school handles all pricing and financial discussions through a personal consultation rather than listing figures publicly online. This allows the administration to walk families through the full value of the MTA experience and explain available assistance options before cost becomes a barrier. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour and speak directly with the team to get a complete picture of what enrollment would look like for their situation.
