ADAYINTHELIFE
SmallClassSize,BigImpact
Our projected small class size offers your child a more personalized and supportive learning environment. With fewer students, teachers can tailor instruction more precisely, offer individualized feedback, and build deeper relationships with each student. This creates an ideal setting for academic growth, strong peer connections, and the development of confidence and leadership.
ConnectionAcrossGradeLevels
To further enrich their social and academic experience, our 6th grade students will join with 7th grade peers for select enrichment classes and for lunch and recess.
These combined activities give students a wider peer group, foster community across grades, and help younger students feel part of a larger, vibrant middle school experience.
Advisory&ExecutiveFunctioning with"MindMasters"
Each week, students will participate in a dedicated Advisory period, centered around our year-long “Mind Masters” course led by Mrs. Guller. This executive functioning curriculum helps students develop crucial skills such as organization, time management, study strategies, and self-awareness—all tools that build independence and set the foundation for long-term academic success.
g g y y to the Lacawac Sanctuary, a stunning natural preserve that offers the perfect backdrop for reflection, exploration, and communitybuilding. In partnership with our STEM program, students will engage in hands-on learning about the importance of water in sustaining ecosystems, setting the stage for a year-long interdisciplinary focus on this vital resource.
This retreat also serves as a spiritual and symbolic launch into middle school. Through the lens of our Christian tradition, water represents new life—a theme that resonates deeply as students step into this new chapter of growth, responsibility, and selfdiscovery. The retreat will also connect with themes they will explore in media studies and service learning, particularly around water access, conservation, and stewardship.
MeaningfulServicethroughthe WissahickonCreek
As 6th graders, students will partner with Friendsofthe Wissahickon for ongoing service and stewardship projects. Our school's proximity to Forbidden Drive and the Wissahickon Valley Park makes it possible to incorporate frequent, hands-on service opportunities.
These will also tie into our STEM program, allowing students to see the direct environmental impact of their work and to connect scientific learning to real-world issues.
GlobalCitizenship:TheUNSummit
In collaboration with Dr. Stotz, students will engage in a dynamic unit focused on water insecurity around the globe. This interdisciplinary UN Summit project challenges students to become informed global citizens, practicing research, critical thinking, collaboration, and advocacy. These will also tie into our STEM program, allowing students to see the direct environmental impact of their work and to connect scientific learning to real-world issues.
MiddleSchoolSocialTime
As always, sixth grade students will join their seventh grade peers for lunch and recess.
These daily shared experiences give students ample time to build friendships, practice social skills, and enjoy unstructured play in a supportive environment.
HighSchoolCounseling
As part of NFA’s High School Counseling Program, we have developed close partnerships with a number of local private high schools. Throughout the year, our Middle School students have the fantastic opportunity to hear from representatives of these high schools.
NFA also has a full-time registrar that works in partnership with parents and the school to ensure a smooth high school transition.
AFTERNFA
NFA graduates are actively recruited by the area’s best Catholic and independent high schools and are rewarded with scholarships, awards and financial grants. They achieve leadership positions and academic honors at their respective high schools.
Last spring, the Class of 2024 earned nearly $700,000 in scholarships and awards, and had an acceptance rate of 92% to elite high schools in the Philadelphia area.
We’re eager to share Class of 2025's good news later this spring.
