Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Opens Chestnut Hill Campus to Community for Athletic and Event Rentals

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy (NFA) is opening its 14-acre Chestnut Hill campus to local organizations, athletic programs, businesses, families, and community groups seeking distinctive spaces for practices, tournaments, celebrations, and special events.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, NFA's two-campus setting combines modern athletic and multipurpose facilities with the character of a historic school campus. The Academy is now accepting rental inquiries for three unique spaces: Sister James Anthony Hall Gym, Fontbonne Commons, and the historic Big House.

Sister James Anthony Hall Gym, located on NFA's Norwood Campus, is a hardwood basketball court and a familiar destination for youth basketball players. The gym is home to the NFA Bears and the Academy's annual Snowball Tournament. The space features a brand new state-of-the-art climate control system, which is perfect for games anytime of the year.

SJAH Gym also features pull-out seating for approximately 250 spectators, restrooms, and the ability to accommodate volleyball matches and tournaments. Use of the snack bar, scoreboard, and audio technology may also be available upon request.

Fontbonne Commons, located at NFA's Fontbonne Campus at 8900 Norwood Avenue, provides a flexible multipurpose space for athletic and community events, including basketball, volleyball, field hockey, community celebrations, and bingo nights. 

Fontbonne Commons also includes restrooms, a stage and podium, and a video screen. Tables, chairs, a snack bar, scoreboard, and audiovisual technology may be available upon request.

For groups seeking a more distinctive setting, NFA's Big House offers the character and history of one of the Academy's most recognizable buildings, Built in 1849, the Big House is the original schoolhouse on the Norwood-Fontbonne Academy campus and serves as the school's primary event space. The building includes the Centennial Chapel, Dining Room, Fournier Library, kitchen, and restroom facilities. The Big House can provide a memorable setting for meetings, gatherings, celebrations, and other special events.

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Norwood‑Fontbonne Academy is an independent Catholic school in nearby Chestnut Hill, where 14 beautiful acres set the stage for joyful, hands‑on learning. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, NFA offers families a truly unique choice, our renowned Montessori pathway or our dynamic Primary program for ages 3 through Grade 3, followed by innovative, engaging, and challenging learning experiences in Grades 4–8. At NFA, every child is known, inspired, and encouraged to grow with confidence and purpose.