Norwood-Fontbonne Academy has announced the creation of an optional afternoon preschool program for children ages three and four.

Students enrolled in the school’s five-morning-a-week Montessori preschool or Pre-primary program (from 8 a.m. to noon) now have the option of extending their day until 3 p.m. with a program that enhances the creative interactive experiences of the morning. Families may select two, three, or five afternoons a week.

NFA is one of the only schools in the area to offer a unique dual-path program in early education. This dual path offers families with young children the choice between the Montessori preschool (for students 3, 4, and 5 years old) and the Pre-primary/Kindergarten path (for students 3, 4, and 5 years old).

NFA’s new afternoon offering will be a blended program that draws from the strengths of the school’s two curricular paths. Taught by staff with backgrounds in the Pre-primary and Montessori programs, the afternoon will include a personalized approach to themed learning, independent and group work, outdoor play, science, art, and imaginary play and activities.

Throughout the afternoon program, the universal values of respect for oneself, others and the Earth will be emphasized. Families can expect the same excellence for their children that they receive in NFA’s morning programs. Students who stay for the afternoon will enjoy an expanded peer group as well as an extension of their daily learning. The Loft after-care program continues to be available from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

NFA’s addition of an optional afternoon program was the result of a careful study of the changing needs and desires of today’s local families.

“Many parents of young children are looking for high-quality early educational experiences until 3 p.m. and often until 6 p.m.,” said Kim Cwietniewicz, NFA director of admissions.

As a local leader in early childhood education, NFA’s new program furthers the school’s commitment to excellence.

“When I looked up the definition of ‘excellence,’ it does not mean ‘perfect,’ but rather ‘always striving for more,'” said Sister Mary Helen Beirne, NFA's head of school. “Our new afternoon program for 3 and 4 year olds is NFA’s latest evidence of daily excellence.”

For more information on NFA’s early educational offerings and the new afternoon program, contact Kim Cwietniewicz, director of admissions, at 215-247-3811, x 204, or kcwietniewicz@norfon.org.