Mother Teresa Academy

Mother Teresa Academy has been voted to be the BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL in Clifton Park by over 5000 Community News readers!

There are many negative comments in the community about this school. Every business has its up and downs. However, as a parent if I am paying for a private education I do not want to have to deal with the negative press. Our children are the main priority. As parents, we do not have time to wait for this business to get it together. Living in the community we are sending our children to a diocesan school. We want to support our Catholic communities. If you are seeking a catholic education -A diocesan school is more economical and has more resources.

Our son has been at MTA for 3 years and has tested at equivalency levels at least 2 grades higher than his actual grade! Needless to say, MTA provides a great education and the environment is positive, caring and safe. MTA also teaches values and vests children with a concept of spirituality that will create a strong foundation for the rest of their lives. Comments from 2012 must be considered in context: the old principal, who was also a parent at the school, was terminated and waves were made but they had no effect on the school's educational quality or environment. That is why comments from prior to that year were 100% positive. The new principal is superb. MTA is a great choice!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that are going to MTA and they are thriving. The new principal is outstanding and the school is starting to run like clock work in just the second week of the school year. They retained some excellent teachers and picked up some great new ones. I look forward to a great year and more to come!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher at MTA I would not recommend this school as a place of employment or as an education institute for your child. I am an advocate for the children and unfortunately I resigned because MTA doesn't share this value.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am pulling my children out of this school. While I have been a strong supporter of MTA for the past 4 years, I cannot trust that my kids' best interest comes first when my concerns remain ignored and wonderful teachers are being let go. If you are considering this school for your children, I urge you to do your homework and ask around, this school is no longer what it used to be.....
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the people who work at the school seem to have a sincere interest and love of children. We have noticed that the children talk a lot about their teachers, the director and receptionist. We find it easy to talk to them when we have questions There are a few who seem to always be creating drama of some sort and make it difficult for those who wish to stay focused on the good of the children and the school. We hear there are changes happening and we are anxious to see some good come of it. We believe in Mother Teresa Academy and it's mission and support them during this time of change. By the way, met the new Principal today and really liked him. He was engaging and seemed to really have a good sense of what is needed to be done.

You will regret choosing this school. They are unorganized and unprofessional and the communication is poor. The best interest of the children does not come first as there is not enough supervision. The aftercare discipline method is isolation as opposed to correction, and patience has been lost by almost all staff as they are spread too thin. Student/teacher ratios that are mandatory in public schools are not supported here, especially in the pre-k. The classrooms are small, as well as all other play areas so there is not enough room for your child to run, or barely get up of their seat for a song break, which is what kids need to do. I enrolled for the academics, but the lack of balance between play and work has affected the learning environments as kids are antsy at learning time. Please, in addition to asking a million questions make sure you drop in unexpectedly to see it for yourself. Teachers are excellent and certainly doing their best. They are the savior of the school, but it s certainly not enough. The principle also seems to do her best with limited resources. She is excellent at listening, but no true solutions seem to come of discussions.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at MTA. Can't say enough about the level of attention and dedication that the staff has for the children in this school. I put my child in this school because I recognized that he has the type of personality that requires positive/nurturing attention and I figured a private school would be better suited for him. It was the right choice! His teacher picked up on his personality within the 1st week and has adjusted how she teaches to him. The entire staff is very child focused. They truly care about the children. I have had no issues getting emails or phone calls answered. This has been a very positive experience for my child and ultimately that is all that matters.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at MTA or 4 years! It was the best thing we could've done for his education and personal development. Yes there are kinks that are being worked out at the school. It is fairly new and they are growing. My family moved up here 5 years ago we have a "family" here now. We've made life long friends. My youngest will begin next year. As for our 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Leander is wonderful, nurturing, challenging and inspiring. Thank you MTA!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the idea of this school but after my childs first year, I am disappointed about how unorganized the school is. The teachers I have dealt with and adminstration lack timeliness and accuracy in their distribution of information and bills. They do not answer emails and the office staff is a disaster. Everyone is lovely in manner, but i'm afraid that is not enough.
—Submitted by a parent

I strongly disagree with the previous message. My son is in first grade and his teacher is extremely organized. My husband and I have been very pleased with the teacher and found her to be pleasant and professional. It is a shame that the perception of one teacher is tainted on here because of one parent. 5 gold stars to our son's first grade teacher!!! Submitted by a parent
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing staff, amazing school!
—Submitted by a parent

There's a waiting list for teachers... It is a fabulous school where the principal ensures that the children are learning and the children are loved, nurtured, and educated by the best teachers I have ever seen.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great place to work.. The parents and the staf are wonderful...
—Submitted by a teacher

The principal and teachers genuinely care about the children and make every effort to encourage the children to be their very best.
—Submitted by a parent

MTA is part of our extended family! Our daughter is learning so much, and she loves her teachers and fellow students!
—Submitted by a parent

MTA offers a top notch education with a firm basis in christian values.
—Submitted by a parent

MTA meets the needs of my child. Classes are small and staff (teachers, administrators, everyone there...is totally dedicated to the mission of the school. They work harder than anyone I know to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of every child. Character education, service learning, and all aspects of a successful school experience are embedded logically and effectively into the childrens' day. They do a WONDERFUL job.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the perfect school for my son. I love how much he has grown since beginning school. They teach Christan Values of respect, kindness and trust which is the foundation of everything they do. You can see the love the teachers and administrators have for the children. It is an amazing place and everything I had hoped for educationally, spirtually and morally for my child.
—Submitted by a parent