Get Involved at Mother Teresa Academy
At Mother Teresa Academy, family involvement is one of the most powerful forces behind student success. When parents, grandparents, and loved ones show up, children feel it. They grow in confidence, deepen their friendships, and thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Whether you live right here in Clifton Park or travel in from Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, or beyond, there is always a place for you in our community.
Our Community, Our Strength
Every Family Has a Role to Play
MTA is more than a school. It is a close-knit community built on the "Play, Pray and Learn" philosophy, and that community grows stronger every time a family chooses to be present. Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are all welcome to participate in school events and activities throughout the year. Your presence in the hallways, at performances, and during special school traditions sends a clear message to every child: you matter, and your education matters. When families and teachers work together as true partners, students gain the confidence and support they need to reach their full potential. That partnership is at the heart of everything we do at Mother Teresa Academy.
Supporting the Academy
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Mother Teresa Academy is an independent nonprofit Catholic school serving families across the Capital Region, including Clifton Park, Ballston Spa, Scotia, and surrounding communities. As an independent school, we rely on the generosity and involvement of our community to enhance the educational experience we provide. Community support and fundraising efforts help us invest in student programs, classroom resources, school events, financial assistance opportunities for families, and the continued growth of the academy. We never want cost to stand in the way of a child receiving a values-based, faith-centered education. By supporting MTA in whatever way you are able, whether through volunteering your time, attending school events, or contributing to fundraising efforts, you help keep our programs strong and our community thriving for every student who walks through our doors.
Your Questions, Answered
Common Questions About Getting Involved
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.
