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Mina Lopato Nursery School

Inclusive Community
Inclusive Education

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Mina Lopato celebrates diversity, curiosity, and kindness with deep South African roots and a Jewish soul.

Founded on Jewish values, we continue to create an environment that feels like home but also encourages children to seek out a greater understanding of the world beyond. We believe true education goes beyond academics to embrace all kinds of learning—and all kinds of learners.

Since 1961 Mina Lopato Nursery School has proudly served communities in Greenside, Rosebank, and beyond.

I wish we could clone all the children that come to us from Mina Lopato Nursery School. They are so well-balanced, all-rounded and delightful.
— Mandy Herold, Head of Junior Prep, The Ridge School

2024 Update

Grade 0 Class (Grade R)

Grade R enrollments are open for 2025. We’re excited to announce that our experienced Grade 00 teacher, Gabby Davidson, will lead the Grade 0 teaching team.

Aftercare

We offer aftercare until 4:30pm from Monday to Thursday, and until 4pm on Friday, with fun activities, nap time, and healthy snacks. Bookings can be made on a day-to-day basis. Late pickup available.

Minis & Nannies

Open to kids ages 3-12 months and their nannies. Give your baby the best start while your nanny receives expert training in sensory play, first aid, skills development and more.

Academics Are only one aspect of child development

At Mina Lopato, we create and seek out learning opportunities that allow children to positively engage, experience, and contribute to the world.

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 Love is the essential ingredient in the Mina Lopato approach.

We endeavor to create a close school-home connection and to build bridges between all that is meaningful and relevant to our children. When you join Mina Lopato, you are joining more than just a school, you are joining a family.
— Marissa Koffler, principal
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Jewish Principles

Our inclusive Jewish value welcomes children from any religious background to develop along their own spiritual path.

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South African Values

Our children are taught about respect, love and appreciation for all people irrespective of race, religion, culture or orientation.

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A Family of Families

Our diverse community is full of enthusiastic, involved parents who want the best for their children and the world they will inherit.

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Dedicated Educators

Our staff recognize and encourage all kinds of learning, both in and outside the classroom.

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Peace of Mind

Safety of our children is our first priority, from the security of our facilities to the maintenance of our gardens and grounds.

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Experienced Leadership

Lead by a highly-qualified principal and a decorated board of parents, we uphold rigorous standards of care and education.

 

What our parents say…

My daughter first arrived at Mina Lopato when she was 16 months old in 2018. It was the best decision I could have made for her and later for my son as well. They have both truly flourished during their time at this nursery! Everything from their social skills to their vocabulary have come on faster than I ever imagined.

Not a day has gone by that both my children haven’t wanted to go to nursery and we look forward to seeing how they continue to thrive in this special environment in the coming years. I am really glad that I found you!
— Dikla N
We selected Mina Lopato as the nursery school for both our children because it offers a Jewish based education with a diverse and progressive approach to people, school and in turn life.

We have been amazed at the level of care, love and support shown by the staff during our time at the school. We remain committed to the Mina Lopato family and ethos.
— Leanne s
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It's not often you find an open-minded nursery school that also opens minds.

Now that you've found it, you need to see it for yourself.

Walk our gardens. Peek into our active classrooms. Meet our Prinicpal. Share our enthusiasm.

From the Principal’s Blog