Guest: Amy Riccardi, Loudoun County School Board Candidate (Sterling)

What if people were making the most critical decisions affecting your child’s education, you’ve never heard of—and never voted for?

In this powerful episode, Krishna Cart sits down with Amy Riccardi, a Loudoun County mom, educator, and school board candidate, who is sounding the alarm about what’s happening in public education. From spiraling budgets and lagging test scores to controversial books and a growing mental health agenda, Amy shares why she’s running as an independent—and what families, taxpayers, and teachers need to know.

You’ll learn how school boards actually work, why Sterling schools are falling behind, and what parents can do right now to get informed, involved, and influential. Whether you’re in public, private, or homeschool, this conversation is your essential School Board 101—with honesty, clarity, and purpose.

Listen in to hear: ✔️ Why $24,000 per student isn’t yielding better outcomes ✔️ The truth about controversial books and school libraries ✔️ What “counseling time” really means for K–5 students ✔️ How parents can hold schools accountable—without being political ✔️ The roadmap to restoring academic focus in a divided district

In Episode 12, Krishna Cart speaks with Amy Riccardi, a Loudoun County school board candidate, about the growing gap between what families expect from schools and what’s actually happening inside them.

Amy shares her journey—from shocked parent to independent candidate—after discovering troubling ideological content during her children’s online learning. They dive deep into the structure and power of local school boards, the disconnect between spending and performance, the politicization of education, and the need to refocus on academic results.

This episode offers a candid look at what’s driving school policy—and why your voice as a parent has never been more important.

In this inspiring episode of the Masterpiece Academy Podcast, Krishna Cart explores the transformative power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) within a Christ-centered education model.

You'll discover how Masterpiece Academy goes beyond traditional online schooling — combining accredited academics, personal mentorship, and vibrant community life. Students engage in real-world learning projects that strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and faith integration, preparing them not just for college but for their God-given calling.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) emphasizes real-world applications, not just test preparation.

Masterpiece Academy blends accredited education with rich community support and fellowship.

Students build essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through hands-on projects.

Faith is fully integrated into every part of the curriculum, not added on as an afterthought.

Personal mentorship from licensed teachers ensures every student is guided, supported, and challenged.

Students work on projects that matter to them now, building ownership and engagement.

The curriculum is designed using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles — supporting diverse learning styles.

In high school, students tackle real-world problem-solving projects, preparing for leadership beyond the classroom.

Parents can support PBL at home by asking open-ended questions and getting involved in their child’s learning.

Celebrating creativity and perseverance helps build lasting confidence and resilience in students. You'll discover how Masterpiece Academy goes beyond traditional online schooling — combining accredited academics, personal mentorship, and vibrant community life. Students engage in real-world learning projects that strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and faith integration, preparing them not just for college but for their God-given calling.

• "PBL is deep, relevant learning."
• "Students are the authors and the creators."
• "Faith is not an add-on, it's the center."

• 00:00 — Introduction to Masterpiece Academy and PBL
• 01:17 — Understanding Project-Based Learning (PBL)
• 05:26 — Masterpiece Academy's Unique Approach
• 09:05 — Real-World Applications of PBL
• 10:27 — Supporting PBL at Home
• 13:08 — Final Encouragement and Invitation

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Biblical-based education is foundational in today’s cultural moment.
• Education should lead to transformation, not just the transmission of information.
• Parents and educators must actively shape students' worldviews.
• Culture is forming children—unless we disciple them through truth.
• Masterpiece Academy offers a hybrid model grounded in faith and rigor.
• Education is a partnership between families, teachers, and the Church.

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

Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Bible-Based Education 03:09 – The Importance of a Biblical Worldview 05:24 – Navigating Modern Educational Challenges 07:34 – Education as Discipleship 10:00 – Future of Masterpiece Academy and Community Engagement 10:57 – Encouragement & Closing

Sound Bites: “It’s a mission, not just a school.” “Education is discipleship.” “Stay connected for future episodes.”

Learn more & connect: https://masterpiecek12.org/masterpiecek12-org-learning-by-design-podcasts