Norwood-Fontbonne Academy

NFA is an outstanding school which prepares its students to go onto the next level of educational opportunities. They have an incredible array of co-curricular groups/sports for our children to join in. Especially wonderful in this day and age considering the cost cutting measures most schools are having to deal with.

Norwood Fontbonne is a great school with an amazing Montessori program. The students stay in the same class for the pre-school years (3-5) and then move up to the Junior level for 1-3rd grade, which creates a unique mentoring environment for the children. The students work at their own pace and the teachers are a wonderful balance of nurturing and fostering of the students' independence. The teachers are dedicated and you can see through their teaching that they have a true calling. The classrooms are spacious and open and the students have beautiful materials to work with. When we visited Norwood, we were blown away by the learning environment and the mutual respect of the teachers and students. I highly recommend visiting the school to see the classes in action. It's a very illuminating experience. We have been more than pleased with the teachers, curriculum and the community. Norwood has a very active parent association which raises a considerable amount of money for the school and for charity. Community service is also a focus which provides a great example for the students. The group is very inclusive and friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

NFA is a fine school, with dedicated teachers who uphold high academic standards as well as a broad and challenging curriculum. The relationship between the recently replaced Principal and parents varied significantly. Favoratism sometimes prevailed. In contrast, Mrs., Wood the new Head of the Upper School has an very good relationship with most parents and is not prone to favoritism. All of the issues regarding the past Principal hopefully in aqua pasada. Any attempt to portray the negative influence she had on the school environment and on enrollment is patently false. Just last week I encountered a parent of a student who transferred out because of the Principal. He will not be attending a Catholic High School because of his experience with said Principal. Thankfully, the SIsters of St. Joseph, with the Lord's guidance, have now set the school back on a the correct path. Parent involvement is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

I would second the previous rater's description of the school's educational offerings and emphasis on Christian values and service. The animus indicated toward the departing principal is troubling however and leaves a misleading impression of the atmosphere of the school. No school is exempt from parental disgruntlement. To suggest, in a time of economic distress and shrinking family size, that the decline in enrollment is a direct result of the alleged personal failings of one person is to betray a strong personal bias that has more than a touch of vindictiveness itself.
--Submitted by a parent

NFA has a strong curriculum, caring teachers, and nice families. Hopefully it can start to heal now that a new principal is in office.

Norwood is an excellent school with a kind, smart teachers and good families. The current principal, Sister Jean Laurich, has been a strong leader who truly loves the kids. Fortunately, the parent who has caused the school the most grief is gone.

This is a school that has great teachers and a strong curriculum. Teachers go out of their way to help students learn the material.

My children have attended this school throughout their primary school years. Our total tenure is over 10 years. It is an excellent school with high academic achievement and learned, caring teachers. The diversity is actually quite good. The community outreach and service learning program, incorporating into the curriculum, distinguishes this school. NFA produces wonderfully educated, kind children. The children and families are great and parents have multiple opportunities for lots of involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Norwood and had a wonderful experiance they really prepare you for high school they helped me get into my high school of choice

My daughter is in the Montessori preschool program at NFS, and I couldn't be more pleased. The teachers and entire staff are so nurturing and supportive. My daughter has learned so much. The school provides a safe and suppportive environment for all students. I love the emphasis on values, service learning, and discipline, which are evident throughout the school. The curriculum is broad and challenging. The extracurriculars are great, every kid can find something to love.
--Submitted by a parent