NFA Admissions Viewbook - Grades 4 and 5

GRADES 4 AND 5

NORWOODFONTBONNE ACADEMY

AN INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC ACADEMY FOR PRESCHOOL TO GRADE EIGHT

AT NORWOOD-FONTBONNE ACADEMY, CHILDREN FROM A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OF FAMILIES COME TOGETHER FOR AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER. Inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph that “all may be one,” our students cultivate unity with God, their “dear neighbor,” the school, and each other.

We empower students through a self-directed approach to learning that permeates beyond our classrooms. Here, students own their education and explore their potential as they’re challenged to shape a more compassionate and socially responsible society. By actively engaging in stimulating academic pursuits, extensive co-curricular offerings, and immersive service opportunities, our students grow into independent learners and confident leaders.

IN FOURTH GRADE, the students from our Montessori and Primary classes seamlessly merge into our Intermediate program, then advance to our Middle School program as they prepare for high school and beyond.

We like to think of our fourth and fifth grades as the bridge to our Middle School.

CONFIDENT, INDEPENDENT LEARNERS NFA’s integrated approach combines academic challenge and a spiritual foundation with abundant opportunities for students to grow in independence and confidence through athletics, the arts, and meaningful service.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING CONTINUES

CONTENT SPECIALIZATION BEGINS

• Experience full- and smallgroup teacher-led learning.

In grade 4, students transition into a content-specialized program. Children are rooted in their homerooms as learning expands into the creative interactive environments of the Fontbonne Building with subject-specific teachers.

• Engage in collaborative learning opportunities.

Our Montessori and Primary programs merge in grade 4, blending the strengths of both approaches to learning.

Students continue to grow in self-direction, independence, and confidence as they:

• Form strong study, organizational, and time management skills.

• Work with their own advisors who help them set personal goals, foster positive student interaction, and strengthen student-teacher-family relationships.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS In the Intermediate grades, students experience: • Study in religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.

• Enrichment classes in art, music, physical education, and library.

• STEM curriculum that encourages students to use the design process to solve authentic problems.

• Expanded studies in Spanish.

• Age-appropriate use of technology that enables students to adapt to new social and technological paradigms, develop critical thinking, and creatively communicate positive new ideas.

• Ongoing emphasis on presentation and public speaking skills.

UNITED AS ONE As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph since the school was founded in 1920, we are deeply rooted in the Sisters’ commitment to living and working so that “all may be one” with God and each other.

SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT Grounded in the Catholic faith, we welcome and encourage students from all backgrounds to grow their connection with God and each other. Our program includes religious instruction, child-focused school-wide liturgies and prayer services, and daily classroom prayer experiences.

Confirmation preparation is offered for our middle school students, in conjunction with their parishes.

A DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Our age-appropriate curricula throughout our students’ years at NFA address the needs of our diverse community.

Through our partnerships with peer schools and SSJsponsored ministries, our students learn first-hand the understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We provide opportunities for our students and their families, and our faculty and staff, to celebrate diversity in all forms through study and meaningful discussion.

SERVICE-LEARNING AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Students put their faith into action by participating in service, promoting social justice, and being civically engaged. Drawing on Catholic Social Teaching, our comprehensive ServiceLearning program partners with local non-profits and SSJ-sponsored ministries, and incorporates pre-education, face-to-face interaction, and post-reflection in which students live Gospel values by meeting the needs of others and our Earth.

For example, students in grades 4 and 5 visit Our Lady of Confidence Day School, a special education school of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There, they meet students of their own ages and form friendships as they play, learn, and laugh together. As they actively process the meaning of their Service-Learning experiences, students develop a raised social consciousness and a lifelong commitment to personal and social justice.

OPEN CAMPUS, ACTIVE COMMUNITY Our expansive 14-acre campus in the heart of Chestnut Hill includes unique and intentionally designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces that foster independence, openness, and active experiences—a reflection of our open, inclusive, and vibrant community.

DISTINCTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT As students transition from one developmental stage to the next, they move to different buildings with ageappropriate learning spaces.

Four houses on campus serve our youngest students with a welcoming home-like atmosphere. As students grow more independent, they move to the Fontbonne Building, where Junior Level Montessori and first through fifth grade meet. For their Middle School years, students move to a high-school-like setting on the Norwood Campus in Sister James Anthony Hall, the Big House, and the Loft.

Our learning spaces feature unique open classrooms that facilitate collaborative learning and reflect the real-world work environment.

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT At NFA, students are active and engaged as they learn to be leaders in areas where they are passionate. The depth and breadth of the options offered—60+ cocurriculars, exceptional art, theater, and music programs, STEM Lab and Digital Arts Center activities—encourage students to explore their interests and pursue their true potential.

A sampling of the co-curricular options available to younger students includes Young Rembrandts, Girls Coding Lounge, Piano, and Taekwondo Basics. Beginning in fifth grade, students can participate in our robust athletic program that boasts junior varsity (grades 5 and 6), varsity (grades 7 and 8), and intramural sports teams, some of which participate in the Catholic Academy League, and clubs.

THE NFA GRADUATE Inspired by the Sisters of Saint Joseph to be a “genuine presence” and a “dear neighbor,” our welcoming community enables students to form relationships and live experiences that leave a lasting impression.

WHERE THEY GO The area’s best Catholic and independent high schools actively recruit and offer scholarships to our eighth grade graduates, who leave us well prepared for a rigorous high school curriculum. After leading and succeeding at their respective high schools, our graduates go on to matriculate to the nation’s best colleges—demonstrating excellence long after their years at NFA.

WHO THEY BECOME At NFA, children grow into selfdirected individuals who live Gospel values, enjoy learning, and make reflective choices.

They stand out from the crowd as empathetic leaders and independent thinkers who treasure themselves, others, and the Earth.

DISCOVER NFA FOR YOUR CHILD For more information or to schedule a tour, contact our Director of Admissions, at 215-403-7310, or admissions@norfon.org.

8891 GERMANTOWN AVENUE | PHILADELPHIA, PAÂ 19118 215-247-3811 | ADMISSIONS@NORFON.ORG | NORFON.ORG A SPONSORED WORK OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH A NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE