Private School FAQ Clifton Park: Your Mother Teresa Academy Questions Answered

If you have been researching private school information for your family in Clifton Park or the surrounding Capital Region, you likely have a lot of questions. This page is here to give you honest, straightforward answers about Mother Teresa Academy, covering everything from admission requirements and school tuition and costs to daily programs and after-school care. MTA has served families across Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Scotia, and beyond for over 20 years, and we want to make sure you have the information you need to decide whether our community is the right fit for your child.

Common Mother Teresa Academy Questions

What Families in Clifton Park Ask Most About MTA

  • What grade levels does Mother Teresa Academy offer?

    Mother Teresa Academy serves children from age 3 through First Grade. Programs include Nursery School (starting at age 3), Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade. Each level is designed to build on the last, giving students a consistent, faith-centered academic foundation before they move on to later elementary grades. The low student-to-faculty ratio across all levels means your child receives individualized attention throughout their time at MTA, whether they are just beginning Nursery or finishing First Grade.

  • Is Mother Teresa Academy a Catholic school, and does my child need to be Catholic to enroll?

    Mother Teresa Academy is a private, values-based Catholic school rooted in the Play, Pray, and Learn philosophy. Daily chapel, morning Bible lessons, and a monthly character values program are all part of the school day. While the academy's identity is faith-centered, families from a variety of backgrounds choose MTA for its nurturing environment, academic focus, and strong sense of community. If you have questions about whether the faith-based setting is the right fit for your family, the best next step is to schedule a personal tour so you can experience the environment firsthand.

  • How does the admission process work, and what are the requirements to enroll?

    Enrollment at Mother Teresa Academy is built around a personal conversation rather than a standardized application process. The school treats admission as a partnership, meaning the administration wants to understand your child's learning style and your family's values before a commitment is made on either side. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a tour so staff can walk you through the program, discuss your child's needs, and explain the financial assistance options that may be available. There is no publicly listed checklist of admission requirements; the conversation itself is the first step.

  • What does school tuition and costs look like at MTA, and is financial assistance available?

    Mother Teresa Academy does not list tuition figures on its website. This is an intentional choice: the school wants to walk families through the full value of the program and explain available financial assistance before cost becomes a deciding factor. A financial program is available for families who need support with tuition. To get current figures and learn what options may apply to your situation, contact the school directly or schedule a tour. This personal conversation ensures you understand everything included in your child's education before making a financial decision.

  • Does MTA offer before- and after-school care, and can Shenendehowa students use it?

    Yes. Mother Teresa Academy offers AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school pickup. Both options are available to enrolled MTA students and alumni. After-school PM Care is also available to students attending Shenendehowa (Shen), but this requires a specific arrangement through the Shen district. Families interested in PM Care for a Shen student must contact Shenendehowa directly and complete the necessary arrangements by the April 15th deadline. MTA staff can help point you in the right direction if you have questions about how this works.

  • What is the Summer Camp program, and how does enrollment work?

    MTA's Summer Camp runs for six weeks and is designed to keep children engaged, active, and learning through the summer months. One of the most family-friendly features is flexible attendance: you pay only for the weeks your child actually attends, rather than committing to the full program upfront. Optional AM Care and PM Care are available during camp weeks for families who need extended coverage. The camp reflects the same hands-on, energetic spirit as the school year, making it a natural extension of the MTA experience for current students and a welcoming introduction for new families.

  • What makes MTA different from the Shenendehowa UPK program or a standard daycare?

    Mother Teresa Academy is a premium private school, not a daycare or a public program. Unlike the Shenendehowa Universal Pre-K or standard childcare centers, MTA offers accelerated and advanced coursework, daily chapel and Bible lessons, Spanish language classes, a monthly character values program, and a low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for genuinely individualized instruction. The school has been in continuous operation for over 20 years, with long-tenured staff who treat their roles as careers. These factors combine to create an environment focused on academic readiness, character development, and faith, all within a close-knit community setting.

  • Is MTA a good option for families who have recently relocated to the Clifton Park area?

    Many MTA families come from outside the immediate area, including families relocating from other countries, particularly from India, China, and Japan. For families new to Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, or surrounding communities, MTA's 20-year history and consistent, long-tenured staff provide a sense of stability and immediate community that can be hard to find quickly in a new place. The school's nurturing, family-centered approach is designed to help children and parents feel at home from the very first day. Realtors working with relocating families in the Capital Region frequently recommend MTA as a trusted local option.

Still have questions? We're here to help — contact us today or give us a call!