Pre-K Program in Clifton Park Built on Faith, Play, and Real Learning
Mother Teresa Academy's pre-K program in Clifton Park gives children ages four and five a strong academic and moral foundation before they ever step into kindergarten. Our private pre-K blends hands-on, experiential learning with daily chapel, character development, and individualized attention in a close-knit, faith-centered setting. Families across Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and the broader Capital Region have trusted MTA for over 20 years to prepare their children not just academically, but as whole people.
Why Families Choose MTA
A Private Pre-K Near Clifton Park That Knows Your Child by Name
In a large public program, your child is one of many. At Mother Teresa Academy, our pre-K with low student ratios means every educator genuinely knows each child's strengths, learning style, and pace. Whether your child learns best by touching, doing, or talking through ideas, our teachers adjust accordingly. This is not a one-size-fits-all classroom. It is a purposeful environment where individualized attention is the standard, not the exception. Our long-standing staff treat their roles as careers, which means your child builds real relationships with educators who will still be here next year and the year after.
Our Approach to Learning
Catholic Pre-K Education with an Advanced, Hands-On Curriculum
Our Catholic pre-K education goes well beyond basic letter and number recognition. MTA's advanced pre-K curriculum includes accelerated coursework, Spanish language classes, daily Bible lessons, and morning chapel activities, all woven into a daily rhythm that feels natural and engaging for young learners. We follow our "Play, Pray, Learn" philosophy, which means intentional play is a teaching tool, not just free time. Activities like our Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic are not just fun moments; they are carefully designed experiences that build curiosity, cooperation, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Monthly Character Values program reinforces kindness, responsibility, and respect, giving children the social and moral tools they will carry into every grade ahead.
Your Family, Our Community
A Faith-Centered Pre-K Community Rooted in 20 Years of Trust
Mother Teresa Academy was founded over 20 years ago specifically because families in this area needed a stable, values-based private school option. We started with six students and have grown to a community of approximately 155, almost entirely through word-of-mouth recommendations from families who experienced the difference firsthand. For families relocating to the Clifton Park area from other states or from countries including India, China, and Japan, MTA provides an immediate sense of belonging. Our welcoming, nurturing environment becomes a village for families who are still finding their footing in a new place. We also offer AM and PM care options to support the full rhythm of your family's day, and our school owns its building, which means we are not going anywhere.
Financial Support Available
Private Pre-K That Works for Your Family's Budget
We believe every child who is a good fit for MTA should have the opportunity to be here. That is why we offer a financial assistance program for families who need support with tuition. We intentionally handle pricing through personal conversations rather than posting numbers online, because we want to talk through your family's full picture before cost becomes a barrier. When you come in for a tour, we will walk you through everything, including the financial program options available to you. Families from Halfmoon, Scotia, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, Rotterdam, and Glenville are all welcome to reach out and start that conversation.
Common Questions
What Families Ask About Our Pre-K Program
What age does a child need to be to enroll in the Pre-K program at MTA?
MTA's Pre-Kindergarten program is designed for children who are four to five years old. If you are unsure whether your child is the right age or developmentally ready, we encourage you to schedule a tour and speak with our team directly. We are happy to walk through the specifics of our program and help you determine whether Pre-K or another level, such as our Preschool or Nursery program, is the best fit for your child's current stage.How is MTA's Pre-K different from the free Universal Pre-K offered through Shenendehowa?
MTA is a private, values-based Catholic school, which means our Pre-K includes faith formation, daily chapel, Spanish language classes, and a Monthly Character Values program that public UPK programs do not offer. We also maintain low student-to-faculty ratios so each child receives genuine individualized attention. Our advanced pre-K curriculum is designed to accelerate readiness beyond standard benchmarks. For families who want more than a standard public offering, MTA provides a close-knit, faith-centered alternative with over 20 years of community trust behind it.Does MTA offer before- and after-school care for Pre-K students?
Yes. MTA offers both AM Care (early morning drop-off) and PM Care (after-school care) for enrolled students, including those in our Pre-K program. These extended care options are designed to support families with full workdays and busy schedules. If you are a family with children attending Shenendehowa who also need PM care arrangements, please note that those situations require contacting Shen directly by the April 15th deadline. We recommend reaching out to us early to discuss your specific care needs.What does a typical day look like for a child in MTA's Pre-K program?
A typical Pre-K day at MTA weaves together academics, faith, and purposeful play. Children participate in daily morning chapel and Bible lessons, hands-on learning activities, Spanish language instruction, and enrichment experiences like school performances, field trips, and special events such as the Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic. The schedule follows our 'Play, Pray, Learn' philosophy, meaning every activity, even the playful ones, is intentionally designed to build skills, character, and a genuine love of learning.Is financial assistance available for families who cannot cover the full cost of Pre-K tuition?
Yes, MTA offers a financial assistance program for families who need support. We intentionally do not publish tuition rates online because we want to have a real conversation with each family before cost becomes a concern. When you come in for a tour, our team will walk you through the financial program options available and help you understand what support may be accessible. Our goal is to make sure the right families can access the MTA experience, regardless of financial circumstances.How does MTA support children who learn differently, such as tactile or interactive learners?
MTA's entire teaching approach is built around the reality that not all children learn the same way. Our hands-on, experiential learning methodology is specifically designed to engage auditory, tactile, and interactive learners. Rather than relying on passive instruction, our educators use activities, movement, and discovery-based experiences to reach children at their individual learning style. Combined with our low student-to-faculty ratios, this means teachers can adapt in real time to how each child absorbs and processes information, giving every student a genuine chance to thrive.We are relocating to the Clifton Park area. How quickly can our child join the Pre-K program?
MTA warmly welcomes relocating families, including those moving from other countries. We understand that finding a stable, trustworthy school quickly is a top priority when you are new to an area. Our long-standing staff and 20-year community presence provide an immediate sense of continuity and belonging for children and parents alike. We recommend scheduling a tour as soon as possible so we can walk you through availability, enrollment steps, and how MTA can serve as a welcoming anchor for your family during the transition.Does MTA's Pre-K program prepare children for kindergarten, including entry into Shenendehowa?
Yes, kindergarten readiness is a core outcome of our Pre-K program. Through our advanced pre-K curriculum, children build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to enter kindergarten with confidence. Many MTA Pre-K graduates go on to Shenendehowa or other area schools well ahead of their peers. Our accelerated approach, combined with character development and individualized attention, means children leave MTA not just ready for the next grade, but genuinely prepared for the demands of early elementary learning.
Hear From Our Families
