First Grade Private School in Clifton Park
Mother Teresa Academy offers a private first grade program in Clifton Park built on the "Play, Pray, Learn" philosophy. Our first graders receive individualized attention, accelerated academic instruction, and daily faith formation in a close-knit, nurturing environment. If you are looking for a private first grade near me that goes beyond the basics, MTA is where your child belongs.
Academic Excellence
An Advanced First Grade Program Built for Every Learner
Our advanced first grade program at Mother Teresa Academy is designed to challenge and support every child, whether they are an auditory, tactile, or interactive learner. Through hands-on, experiential learning, our devoted educators meet each student where they are and push them further than they thought possible. Low student-to-faculty ratios mean your child is never just a face in the crowd. Every lesson is an opportunity for purposeful discovery, critical thinking, and genuine academic growth in a setting that feels like a second home.
Faith and Character
Catholic First Grade Education Rooted in Values
At MTA, Catholic first grade education means more than academics. Each day begins with morning chapel and Bible lessons, grounding students in faith, kindness, and responsibility. Our Monthly Character Values program gives first graders practical tools for becoming thoughtful, respectful members of their community. Spanish language classes and school performances round out an enrichment experience that prepares children for the social and moral demands of the years ahead. This is a values-based foundation your family can feel confident in every single day.
Hands-On Learning
Where Hands-On Elementary Education Comes to Life
First grade at Mother Teresa Academy is anything but passive. Our hands-on elementary education approach means students learn by doing: through field trips, school performances, enrichment activities, and signature traditions like the Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic. These are not just fun moments; they are intentional learning experiences designed to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Families across Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and the broader Capital Region choose MTA because our first graders leave each day energized, curious, and genuinely excited to come back.
Stability You Can Count On
20 Years of Trusted Excellence in Early Elementary Education
For over 20 years, Mother Teresa Academy has served families throughout the Capital Region as a stable, community-rooted private school. Our long-standing staff treat their roles as careers, not jobs, which means your first grader builds lasting bonds with educators who know them deeply. Whether your family has been in Clifton Park for years or you have recently relocated from another city or country, MTA offers an immediate sense of belonging. Financial assistance programs are available for families who need support, and our team is always ready to walk you through every detail in person.
Your Questions Answered
First Grade at Mother Teresa Academy: FAQs
What age does a child need to be to enroll in first grade at Mother Teresa Academy?
Children enrolling in first grade at Mother Teresa Academy are typically six years old by the start of the school year. Because MTA also offers Nursery, Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten, many of our first graders have already progressed through earlier grades at the academy. If your child is coming from another school or program, the admissions team will assess readiness during a personal tour and consultation to make sure the placement is the right fit.How does MTA's first grade program differ from a public school program?
MTA's first grade program offers accelerated coursework, daily chapel and Bible lessons, a Monthly Character Values program, Spanish language classes, and enrichment activities like field trips and school performances. The low student-to-faculty ratio means each child receives individualized attention that is simply not possible in a larger public classroom. The hands-on, experiential learning approach is designed to engage tactile and interactive learners, giving every child a path to succeed beyond what a standard public curriculum typically provides.Is financial assistance available for families who cannot cover the full tuition cost?
Yes, Mother Teresa Academy offers a financial assistance program for families who need support with tuition costs. The school intentionally does not publish pricing online because leadership prefers to have a personal conversation first, walk families through the value of the program, and then discuss financial options together. This approach ensures that cost does not become an automatic barrier before a family has had the chance to experience what MTA offers. Contact the school directly or schedule a tour to start that conversation.Does MTA offer before- and after-school care for first grade students?
Yes, Mother Teresa Academy provides AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school supervision. These extended care options are available for MTA students, making it straightforward for working families to manage their daily schedules. The PM Care program is also available to students from the Shenendehowa district, though families seeking that arrangement must contact Shen directly by the April 15th deadline. Reach out to the MTA office for full details on scheduling and availability.What enrichment subjects are included in the first grade curriculum?
First grade students at Mother Teresa Academy participate in a range of enrichment experiences beyond core academics. These include Spanish language classes, daily Bible lessons and morning chapel, school performances and concerts, and field trips. The Monthly Character Values program focuses on qualities like kindness and responsibility. Signature school traditions such as the Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic are also part of the MTA experience, designed to make learning memorable and to build a genuine sense of community among students and families.Is Mother Teresa Academy a good option for families who have recently relocated to the Clifton Park area?
MTA is a particularly strong fit for families who are new to the Capital Region. The school's 20-year history, long-standing staff, and close-knit community provide an immediate sense of stability and belonging for children and parents who are transitioning into a new area. The academy has welcomed families from across the country and internationally, including from India, China, and Japan. The nurturing, family-centered environment is designed to help children settle in quickly and feel at home from their very first day.How large are the first grade classes at MTA?
Mother Teresa Academy maintains low student-to-faculty ratios as a core part of its educational model. While specific headcount numbers are not published, the school's commitment to individualized, accelerated instruction depends on keeping class sizes small. This allows teachers to understand each child's unique learning style, whether they are auditory, tactile, or interactive learners, and to adjust instruction accordingly. The result is a more personal academic experience than families typically find in larger public or commercial childcare settings.Does the school have a summer program that first grade students can attend after the academic year ends?
Yes, Mother Teresa Academy runs a 6-week Summer Camp program that is open to students including those finishing first grade. Families only pay for the weeks they attend, making it a flexible option for busy summer schedules. Optional AM Care and PM Care are also available during the summer program for added convenience. The Summer Camp reflects the same hands-on, enrichment-focused spirit as the academic year, giving children a fun and engaging way to stay active and keep learning through the summer months.
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