Mother Teresa Academy History: A Family-Founded School Built on Faith and Purpose
The Mother Teresa Academy history begins with a simple observation and a courageous decision. Over 20 years ago, a local family noticed that Catholic schools in the Schenectady area were closing one by one, leaving families in Clifton Park and the surrounding Capital Region without a quality, faith-based option for their young children. Rather than accept that gap, they built something to fill it. What started with six students in a single classroom has grown into a thriving community of approximately 155 children, all learning under the "Play, Pray and Learn" philosophy that has guided MTA from day one.
How MTA Was Founded
From a Volunteer's Vision to a Clifton Park Institution
The story of how MTA was founded is rooted in firsthand experience and a genuine calling to serve families. Our founder was volunteering at a Catholic school in the Schenectady area when she recognized a critical need: as local Catholic schools were closing, parents in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding communities had nowhere to turn for private, values-based early education. Drawing on her background in both nursing and education, she combined her understanding of child development with a deep commitment to faith to create a stable, permanent alternative. MTA has owned its building at 1 Executive Park Drive since the beginning, a decision that has provided the financial stability and institutional permanence that so many families depend on. That foundation, both physical and philosophical, is why MTA is still here today, still growing, and still welcoming new families into the fold.
20 Years of Education Excellence
A Family-Founded Private School That Grew Through Word of Mouth
Growing from six students to a community of 155 is not the result of a marketing campaign. It is the result of families telling other families. MTA's reputation across Clifton Park, Ballston Spa, Scotia, and the broader Capital Region has been built almost entirely through word-of-mouth recommendations, which is perhaps the most honest measure of quality a school can earn. Over two decades, we have expanded from three to four Preschool classrooms and from three to four Pre-K classrooms to meet growing demand. Our staff has remained consistent throughout, choosing MTA as a career rather than a stepping stone. That continuity means the educators who greet your child each morning have deep roots in this community and a genuine investment in every student's growth. In 2020, that commitment was recognized with the Women of Distinction award, a reflection of the values that have defined this family-founded private school since its very first day.
Common Questions
What Families Often Ask About MTA's Background
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.
