By Roberto Benassi (41) and Marcia Martini (43).

SchoolNextDoor is an innovative start-up which wants to revolutionize the way children (2-10 years) learn English through the promotion of our educational games and teaching method, which are the result of many years of research and deep observation during our English language classes.

Children are at the heart of our products, and we are in fact convinced that learning a language must be a pleasant and motivating experience, rooted in the natural tendencies of children to discover and create through play. In a nutshell: to learn a language, we have to forget that we are learning a language.

Our products and methods are based on three primary elements: (1) a solid and modern teaching plan, which is consistent with the main European standards, and also takes Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences into account, (2) innovative design which nurtures the educational-sensorial dimension, (3) the use of technology as an adhesive between the digital and non-digital worlds.

Marcia Martini, an educator and qualified language teacher, has many years of experience in the development of products used for instruction, and teaching English. Roberto Benassi, a business developer, has a broad experience in business development / operations and business consulting, which he has matured in multinational corporations.

Our products will be used for the home environment, where parents can play with their children in English without needing any special preparation, as well as in public and private kindergartens, preschools, and elementary schools. Initially, the company will consolidate its growth within Italy, but will eventually widen its product and method distribution to various foreign markets.

Parallel to its product sales, SchoolNextDoor intends to spread its know-how through the launch of a franchising project. This project will enable the widespread diffusion of the SchoolNextDoor school model throughout Italy, offering the possibility for an increasing number of children to benefit from our teaching methods and educational initiatives.

SchoolNextDoor is aware of the fundamental value which learning English has within a child’s educational program, and we are enthusiastic about helping each individual reach his or her own potential – an element which is also fundamental to the growth of our entire society.

Website: www.schoolnextdoor.com