 Norsworthy was the eldest of four children with two younger brothers and a third who died soon after birth.She was educated in public school in Rutherford, New Jersey then enrolled in New Jersey State Normal School at the age of 15, and was among the youngest students there; she graduated from the school in three years.After spending four years teaching public school in Morristown, New Jersey, Norsworthy enrolled in Columbia University's Teachers College, and served as student assistant in the Psychology department She obtained her Bachelor's of Science Degree in 1901 and her PhD in 1904.