Online Enrollment & School Forms in Clifton Park

Families interested in Mother Teresa Academy can begin the enrollment process online. Use the application link provided on this page and follow the steps to apply for your child. We also welcome families to schedule a campus tour, meet our staff, and learn more about our Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade programs. Additional school documents and resources are available in the forms list below.

How to Apply

How to Apply Online to Mother Teresa Academy

To begin, select the online application link on this page and follow the enrollment steps provided. Families can complete the application online rather than requesting private registration paperwork from our office. If you have questions about the application, program options, or financial assistance, contact the Mother Teresa Academy team. You are also welcome to schedule a tour of our Clifton Park campus to get to know our school. For other school resources, please use the existing forms and documents list at the bottom of this page.

Important Details

Important Enrollment Information and Deadlines

There are a few important details to keep in mind as you prepare your student enrollment documents. Families seeking PM Care for children who attend Shenendehowa (Shen) schools must contact the Shen district directly to arrange that partnership by the April 15th deadline. Missing this date affects after-school care availability for Shen students, so we encourage families to act early. For all MTA programs, spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis, and our classrooms maintain low student-to-faculty ratios by design. That means availability is intentionally limited. If you are a recently relocated family, an international family, or working with a realtor who recommended MTA, please contact us as soon as possible so we can find the right placement for your child. Financial assistance is available for families who need it, and we are happy to discuss those options during your tour.

Your Questions Answered

Common Questions About the MTA Enrollment Application

  • 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.
Teacher talking with child and parent at a table, with books, question marks, sun, clouds, and a house in the background