Preschool in Clifton Park, NY
At Mother Teresa Academy, our preschool program in Clifton Park, NY gives young children the strong start they deserve. Rooted in our "Play, Pray and Learn" philosophy, we combine faith-centered values with hands-on, experiential learning to nurture each child's natural curiosity. Families across Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and the greater Capital Region trust MTA to be their child's first true academic home.
Why MTA Preschool
A Private Preschool Built on More Than Academics
Mother Teresa Academy is a private, values-based Catholic school that has served families in the Clifton Park area for over 20 years. Our preschool program goes beyond basic readiness skills. Every day, children participate in hands-on learning activities, daily chapel, Bible lessons, and our Monthly Character Values program, which focuses on kindness, responsibility, and respect. We believe that when children feel safe, valued, and engaged, they grow into confident, curious learners. That belief shapes everything we do in our preschool classrooms.
Our Approach
Hands-On Preschool Learning for Every Kind of Learner
Not every child learns the same way, and our program is designed with that truth at its center. MTA's hands-on, experiential learning approach actively engages auditory, tactile, and interactive learners through activities that make concepts come alive. From our beloved Butterfly Release to the Teddy Bear Picnic, every experience is an intentional part of your child's development. Our devoted, knowledgeable educators maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio, which means your child receives the individualized attention needed to grow at their own pace and reach accelerated milestones. This is purposeful discovery, not just playtime.
Faith and Community
A Faith-Based Preschool Where Every Child Belongs
Our faith-based preschool education creates a safe, encouraging, and faith-centered setting where children build character alongside academic skills. Daily morning chapel services and Bible lessons are woven into the school day, giving children a consistent moral foundation. Families from Clifton Park, Scotia, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, and beyond choose MTA because they want more than a classroom. They want a community. With long-standing staff who treat their roles as careers rather than jobs, MTA offers the kind of continuity and warmth that makes children feel at home from day one. Whether your family is rooted in the area or has recently relocated, you will find your village here.
20 Years of Excellence
A Trusted Name in Small Class Size Preschool Education
Since growing from just six students to a thriving community of approximately 155, Mother Teresa Academy has built its reputation entirely through word-of-mouth. Families searching for a private preschool near me consistently find that MTA's small class sizes, career-path educators, and accelerated curriculum set it apart from standard public options like Shenendehowa UPK. The academy also owns its building at 1 Executive Park Drive in Clifton Park, providing long-term financial stability and a permanent, secure home for your child's earliest years of learning. Financial assistance programs are available, so we encourage every interested family to reach out and schedule a personal tour to learn more.
Common Questions
Preschool at MTA: What Families Ask Most
What age does a child need to be to enroll in the MTA preschool program?
The preschool program at Mother Teresa Academy welcomes children starting at age 3, beginning with the Nursery level. From there, children can continue through Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten before moving into Kindergarten and First Grade. This progression allows families to build a long-term relationship with the academy and ensures a smooth, consistent academic journey for each child within a familiar, nurturing environment.How is MTA's preschool different from the Shenendehowa Universal Pre-K program?
While Shenendehowa's Universal Pre-K is a public option, MTA is a private, values-based Catholic school that offers daily chapel, Bible lessons, a Monthly Character Values program, and an accelerated curriculum not found in standard public programs. MTA also maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning each child receives more individualized attention. For families who want faith integrated into their child's daily routine alongside academic rigor, MTA provides a meaningfully different experience.Does MTA offer before- and after-school care for preschool families?
Yes. Mother Teresa Academy offers AM Care for early morning drop-off and PM Care for after-school pickup, making it a practical choice for working families. These extended care options are available for MTA students, adding flexibility to the school day. Families should note that PM care arrangements for Shenendehowa students require contacting Shen directly by the April 15th deadline. Reach out to the academy for full details on scheduling and availability.What does hands-on, experiential learning actually look like in the preschool classroom?
At MTA, hands-on learning means children are active participants in their education rather than passive listeners. Activities are designed to engage tactile, auditory, and interactive learners through discovery-based experiences. Signature events like the Butterfly Release and Teddy Bear Picnic are real examples of intentional, experiential programming built into the school calendar. Spanish language classes, school performances, field trips, and enrichment activities are also part of the preschool experience, making every day engaging and purposeful.Is financial assistance available for preschool tuition at Mother Teresa Academy?
Yes, financial assistance programs are available for families who qualify. MTA intentionally does not publish tuition rates online, preferring to discuss costs in person during a tour. This allows the administration to walk families through the full value of the program and explain available financial support before pricing becomes a barrier. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour to get accurate, up-to-date information on tuition and any assistance options that may apply to their situation.How long has Mother Teresa Academy been operating, and is the school stable long-term?
Mother Teresa Academy has been serving families in the Clifton Park area for over 20 years, growing from just six students to a community of approximately 155. The school owns its building at 1 Executive Park Drive, which eliminates leasing volatility and provides a permanent, stable home. Staff members view their positions as long-term careers, ensuring consistency for children year over year. This combination of property ownership and staff retention makes MTA one of the most stable private preschool options in Saratoga County.Does MTA welcome families who have recently relocated to the Clifton Park area?
Absolutely. Welcoming relocating families is an important part of MTA's mission. The academy's long-standing staff and close-knit community provide an immediate sense of belonging for families new to Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and surrounding areas. MTA has experience supporting families transitioning from other regions and countries, including families from India, China, and Japan. The nurturing, family-centered environment is designed to help children and parents feel at home quickly.Does MTA offer a summer program for preschool-aged children?
Yes. Mother Teresa Academy runs a 6-week Summer Camp program that is open to preschool-aged children. Families only pay for the weeks they attend, making it a flexible option for summer schedules. Optional AM Care and PM Care are also available during the summer program for added convenience. The camp continues the enrichment-focused, hands-on spirit of the regular school year, giving children a fun and engaging summer experience in a familiar, faith-centered setting.
What Families Are Saying
