Top RankingsOverviewStudent BodyAcademics and FacultyTuition and Acceptance RateSportsExtracurricularsSchool NotesFrequently Asked QuestionsRelated SchoolsSchool ReviewsEdit School Profile
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is Philadelphia`s oldest Catholic, independent elementary school and a National Blue Ribbon School. NFA offers families the unique choice between the Montessori program or the Primary program for ages 3 - Grade 3, followed by challenging, active learning experiences in Grades 4 - 8.
Students matriculate to the area`s best Catholic and independent high schools. With service learning at all grade levels and 65+ annual co-curricular offerings on our 14-acre campus, NFA provides all the advantages of a large independent school in a small, nurturing community. NFA`s diverse student and parent community shares an appreciation for Catholic values, service to others, and reflective decision-making.
Please join us for one of our upcoming Open Houses or Montessori & Pre-primary Information Nights. Private tours are available Monday through Friday.
Pre-K 3 & 4 year olds have half day and full day options.
5 mornings/5 afternoons: $13,850
5 mornings/3 afternoons: $13,060
5 mornings/2 afternoons: $12,670Extended Day Programs:
Before Care 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM
Loft 3:00 - 6:00 PM (3, 4, and 5 year olds)
After Care 3:00 - 6:00 PM (grades 1-6)
Club or Organization: Bear Print Newspaper, Book Club, Campus Ministry Delegates, Community Service Coprs, Cooking Club, Debate, NFA Lego Club, Reading Olympics, Robotics, Science Explorers, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, The Green Team
Arts and Music Programs: Band, Chorale, Digital Photography, Drama Club, Young Rembrandts Drawing Class, Zumba
Recreational Athletic Programs: Cheerleading, Girls on the Run, Matt Paul All Ball, Matt Paul Basketball, Matt Paul Flag Football, Running Club, Soccer Shots, Yoga
School Notes
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, founded in 1920 by the Sisters of
Saint Joseph, is an independent Catholic Academy for boys and girls
from preschool level through grade eight. The student population
reflects ethnic, racial, religious and geographic diversity. NFA's
curriculum includes a Montessori program, as well as a creative
interactive classroom program. The Academy features small class
sizes and the option of an extended day program. NFA continues to
respond to the ever-evolving needs of its students.
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy exists to convey Gospel values and the
enjoyment of learning so that students may be better able to make
reflective choices as self-directed persons who treasure
themselves, all others and the earth. The resulting faith formation
and social consciousness are lived out through prayer and actions
in a school-wide Service Learning program. A rich tradition of
striving for excellence through diversified academic,
co-curricular, and enrichment programs is augmented by the
development of the person. Preparation of students for leadership
roles in the multicultural and technological future is an integral
part of the teaching philosophy. Norwood-Fontbonne Academy
continues to find creative ways to embody the mission of the
Sisters of Saint Joseph, "to live and work so that all people may
be united with God and one another."
Norwood-fontbonne Academy offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Track and Field. Norwood-fontbonne Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Norwood-fontbonne Academy?
The application deadline for Norwood-fontbonne Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Norwood-fontbonne Academy located?
Norwood-fontbonne Academy is located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 4 other private schools located in Chestnut Hill.
Grades: PK-8 | 310 students3.9 miles 5511 Greene St Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215) 438-7000
3.9
PK-8
310
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(6 reviews)
57/12/2024
We and our daughter love our experience at NFA! She started in the Pre-Primary program last year and grew personally, academically, socially, and emotionally during her time. Her teachers are warm, engaging, and creative. Our daughter loves how much they get to go outside to play and explore the beautiful campus. We love that she has classes such as art, music, and Spanish in addition to learning her alphabet, numbers, colors, and more!
- Posted by Parent - CS
53/29/2024
NFA has been the best decision for our family. Our Kindergartner comes home each day happier and brighter than the day before. She is receiving a top-notch education in a safe place that values God, differences, and an individualized academic experience. The personal attention that students receive at NFA is unlike any other. The NFA community has become family to our family. It's been a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve along with other parents through the NFA Parents' Association. The fun and warm NFA community is exactly what our daughter needed. My only wish is that NFA would extend to 12 years of enrollment because I can't imagine our daughter anywhere else.
- Posted by Parent - TLSG
53/22/2024
We have been at NFA for 7 years and we love the community...from the Montessori program to small class sizes, teachers who pour their heart and soul into enriching the lives of our kids each and every day, opportunities in sports, arts, and clubs...it will definitely be a sad day when we graduate!
- Posted by Parent - KK
53/22/2024
We have been part of the NFA community for 12 years now. We have 2 kids who have moved on and are doing very well at a local private high school. Our younger 2 kids are excelling in their grades with wonderful teachers and great groups of friends. The media/stem program has inspired my daughter to look for solutions for world wide problems. The new principal is engaging and a problem solver who really cares for the kids.
- Posted by Parent - JLT
53/15/2024
NFA teachers are innovative and creative in teaching methods and are also grounded in the school's core values at the same time. The Montessori method continues to be an underlying theme and is integrated at the upper levels too. They guide students in student-led projects that promote critical thinking and independence.
- Posted by Parent - Monica
53/8/2024
We have been at NFA for 6 years now, and we truly feel like we are part of a giant family here. My two children love getting up and going to school in the morning and are proud when they talk about their school with others. When we first enrolled, I questioned the strength of a lot of the STEM area-type subjects, but some newer teachers with the school have really advanced these programs, and I am optimistic they will continue to grow. My son was diagnosed with ADHD at the end of his pre-K year, and while we've used a lot of outside resources, the school has been helpful and supportive. Both of my children have thrived/are thriving in the unique Montessori program, and I'm really grateful that we were able to give them this learning experience for their early elementary years. The parent involvement is open and you can make what you want of it.
- Posted by Parent - JCH
Endorse Norwood-fontbonne Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
The average private school tuition in Philadelphia, PA is $8,923 for elementary schools and $15,669 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
