Co-Curricular Programs

• Academic competitions:

Women Chemists of PA
Scripps National Spelling Bee
Pennsylvania Statistics Contest (Gr. 7 and 8) 

• Johns Hopkins Scholar
• Reading Book Clubs (Gr. 3 to 6)
• Reading Olympics (Gr. 4 to 8)
• Robotics (Gr. 6 to 8)
• Write Brain (Gr. 6 to 8)
• Science Explorers Jr. (4 and 5 year olds) / Science Explorers (Gr. 1 to 5)

Science Explorers and Science Explorers, Jr. meet to enjoy, explore, and learn through hands-on experimentation with themes ranging from the mysteries of earth to anatomy. Students may register for the five weeks of a particular theme or for the year.

• Bear Print Newspaper (Gr. 7 and 8, with contributions from all grades)

The NFA Bear Print is a student newspaper and provides students an opportunity to showcase their ELA skills while expressing their views on a wide range of topics. It also helps students with writing, editing and deadline skills required to produce a newspaper, available in printed and electronic format throughout the year.

• Chess Club (Gr. 3 to 6)
• Debate Club (Gr. 7 and 8)

The Debate Club helps members learn research skills, and give constructive and rebuttal speeches according to the rules of debate.

• Forensics (Gr. 6 to 8)

Forensics provides the opportunity for students to work in the area of communications skills. Speechwriting, speech presentation, oral interpretation and extemporaneous speaking are offered to students who wish to improve in the art of public speaking. Students practice together and enter competitions at local schools.

• Girls Coding Lounge (Gr. 4 to 6)

• Beginner or experienced coder girls are welcome to this club. 

• Write Brain (Gr. 6 to 8)

Writing styles differ depending on what is being written, whether it’s an email, thank you note, letter, or entrance exam essay. Join a former NYC publishing executive in learning the right way to write essential, everyday writing with confidence. As a bonus, interested students will prepare writings for national writing contests at the course’s conclusion.

• Kitchen Wizards Culinary Arts (Gr. 1 to 5)

Kitchen Wizards Culinary Arts help children in grades 1 to 5 discover the magic of cooking, one bite at a time.

• Drama Club (Gr. 7 and 8)

The Drama Club helps prepare students for participation in theatrical productions at the high school level through self expression and teamwork resulting in the presentation of a junior version Broadway show in the spring.

• Dramakinetics (Gr. 1 to 3)

Dramakinetics is designed to develop within the child four categories of skills:  development of a well-coordinated body, ability to exercise creative imagination, fluency in oral communications, and the ability to cooperate with a group.

• Dramakonnections (Gr. 4 to 6)

Dramakonnections is designed to be the bridge between Dramakinetics and Drama Club, and emphasizes group cooperation, oral communication, and stage and costume design.

• NFA Note-ables (Gr. 4 to 8)

The NFA Note-ables is for students who love to sing. The group performs for schoolwide and community events. Note-ables members help to choose the music and are taught to sing various parts and harmonies. 

• Music Lessons (Instrumental) (Gr. 4 to 8)
• Music Lessons (Piano) (K to Grade 8)
• Music Lessons (Violin) (Gr. 3 to 8)
• Young Rembrandts (Gr. 1 to 6)

Young Rembrandts provides a qualified, trained instructor for onsite and age-appropriate drawing and cartooning classes in fall, late winter, and spring sessions.

• Student Council
• Liturgy Leadership
• Campus Ministry Delegates
• Treasuring the Earth Commissioners
• Student Ambassadors

• Altar Servers
• Community Service Corps (Gr. 1 to 8)

This service-learning program is designed to broaden students’ awareness of others and their needs. Students learn how working together in cooperative activities will make a difference in the lives of others. The students are encouraged to use the gifts and talents they have been given in the spirit of service. CSC members develop their communication skills and develop their capacity to show compassion. The students are involved in a number of diverse activities throughout the year

• The Green Team Collaborative Waste Initiative
• Dining Room Captains
• Couriers

• Art Lunch
• Girls on the Run (Girls Gr. 3 to 5)

Girls on the Run is a national not-for-profit after school program for girls, which combines training for a 5K with an interactive curriculum to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles. Over a 12-week season, GOTR trained volunteer coaches deliver a curriculum that teaches life skills through group processing, running games, and workouts. 

• Matt Paul Basketball / Flag Football / All Ball (Gr. 1 to 4)

Matt Paul Sports create a high energy, exciting atmosphere where children celebrate each other’s accomplishments. By setting and achieving personal goals, players build self-confidence and learn the benefit of challenging themselves. Matt Paul Basketball is open year round. Matt Paul Flag Football is open in the fall. Matt Paul All Ball is open in winter/spring.

• Soccer Shots (3 year olds to Gr. 4)

Soccer Shots is an introduction to soccer program whose primary objective of each session is to creatively introduce children to the sport of soccer. Character development, physical skills, and fun are guaranteed in this exciting program.

• Student Philanthropy Club (Gr. 7 and 8)

The Student Philanthropy Club is open to students who desire to promote the welfare of others, lead peers in student stewardship and serve as philanthropists in various ways with staff and students of NFA.

• Taekwondo Basics (K to Gr. 4)

Students learn the basics of Taekwondo, a Korean martial art.