In this episode of Learning by Design, host Krishna Cart explores why Bible-based education is more essential than ever in 2025. As culture rapidly shifts and parents re-evaluate what matters in their children’s education, this conversation gets to the heart of what makes education transformative, not just informative.

Mrs. Cart unpacks what Bible-based education truly means, why the cultural climate demands more intentional discipleship, and how Masterpiece Academy is building a unique model rooted in biblical truth, spiritual formation, and academic excellence.

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Featured Verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go…” — Proverbs 22:6

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Episode 9: From Reading to Writing — The Power of Personal Statements

In this episode of the Learning by Design podcast, host Krishna Cart offers practical tips and guidance for families on how to write a personal statement for college and technical programs like MATA (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy). Whether your teen is applying for college, scholarships, or internships, a personal statement is their chance to stand out—and your role as a parent matters.

Krishna shares how to support your child’s writing process without taking over, why authenticity beats polish, and how everyday literacy habits at home—like reading, journaling, and meaningful conversations—build a strong foundation for impactful writing.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

Keywords: personal statements, writing, education, parenting, literacy, college applications, scholarships, internships, MATA, student guidance, storytelling, character development, communication skills

Episode Chapters:

00:00The Importance of Personal Statements

04:17Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

06:32Parental Guidance in the Writing Process

09:22Building Literacy for Effective Writing

11:53The Role of Parents in Literacy Development

Takeaway: The best personal statements don’t try to impress—they connect. With the right support, your teen can tell a story that’s honest, thoughtful, and uniquely theirs.

👉 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another family preparing for college, MATA, scholarships, or internships.

In this episode of Learning by Design, Krishna Cart explores how parents can play a pivotal role in their children’s literacy journey. Drawing on 25+ years of experience in literacy education, Krishna shares practical, research-backed strategies to build a literacy-rich home, nurture a love for reading and writing, and use technology mindfully. Whether you're supporting a beginning reader or a high school writer, this episode is packed with real-life, doable guidance for every stage of development.

In this inspiring episode, Krishna Cart welcomes former student Helena Gabriel and her father Charles Gabriel to explore how intentional parenting, early academic exposure, and faith-based values helped shape Helena and her sister Antonia’s journeys—from gifted test prep in elementary school to elite high school programs like TJ and Academies of Loudoun. Charles shares his coaching-style parenting approach, Helena opens up about her path to discovering a passion for healthcare, leadership, and advocacy, and together they reveal lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and staying grounded in purpose. A must-listen for parents navigating how to support their child’s potential—academically, spiritually, and personally.

"Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Read our Blog that accompanies this Episode 7. Lessons from the Gabrial family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Learning Journey

Episode 6: PSAT to Paycheck – Scholarships That No One Talks About

🎙️ Episode 6 of the Learning by Design Podcast: Think the PSAT is just another standardized test? Think again! In this episode, we uncover the hidden financial opportunities tied to the National Merit Scholarship Program—scholarships that could turn your test scores into tuition dollars. From PSAT preparation to unlocking exclusive college funding, we guide you through the lesser-known pathways to securing merit-based scholarships that many students and families overlook, breaking down the step-by-step process from PSAT preparation to winning merit-based awards. Whether you’re a student striving for recognition, a parent supporting your child’s academic journey, or an educator looking for insights, this episode is packed with expert tips, strategies, and essential information.

🔹 What You’ll Learn: The National Merit Scholarship timeline—from PSAT to finalist status.

💡 Why It Matters: Winning a National Merit Scholarship can open doors to full-ride college opportunities, provide valuable academic recognition, and set students up for future success. Read our blog post that accompanies this.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Vimeo, and other streaming platforms!

📢 Subscribe and share with students, parents, and educators looking to navigate the scholarship journey! 🚀

🚀 Discover the journey from high scores to scholarships!

🎥 Watch now and start your path to academic success!

In Episode 6 of the Learning by Design podcast, we take a deep dive into the National Merit® Scholarship Program—one of the most prestigious academic awards for high school students in the United States. If you’re a student aiming for this recognition or a parent looking to support your child’s academic journey, this guide is packed with essential insights, tips, and strategies to help you succeed!

Navigating high school can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, success is within reach! In this episode of the Learning by Design podcast, host Krishna Cart breaks down a step-by-step roadmap for students and families, guiding them through each year of high school—from 9th to 12th grade—to ensure they are well-prepared for college admissions, scholarships, and career success.

📌 What You'll Learn:

With insights from education professionals and real-world experience from students who've navigated this journey successfully, this episode is your ultimate checklist for high school success! 🚀

Check out the blog post that accompanies this podcast.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your future!

🔗 Subscribe, Like & Share!

🎙️ Applying to the Academies of Loudoun? Here’s your ultimate admissions guide!

In this episode of Learning by Design, host Krishna Cart dives deep into the Academies of Loudoun admission process, offering expert insights into application requirements, STEM pathways, and strategies for success. Whether you're a student or parent, this episode provides essential tips to stand out in your application and secure your spot in one of the most prestigious programs.

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🚀 Maximize Your Chances of Admission!

👉 Follow & Subscribe for more education, college prep, and STEM insights!

Cracking the Code: Insider Secrets to TJ Admissions Success

Getting into Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is no easy feat—but we’ve got you covered! In this episode of Learning by Design, we break down the TJ admissions process, reveal insider strategies, and share expert tips to help students stand out.

🔍 What You'll Learn:

🎯 Whether you're a prospective TJ student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you crack the code and maximize your chances of admission!

📌 Resources & Links:

#TJHSST #AdmissionsTips #CrackingTheCode #LearningByDesignPodcast #STEM #HighSchoolAdmissions