In this episode of Learning by Design, host Krishna Cart unpacks how The Masterpiece Academy is redefining Christian education through its powerful affiliation with Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA).

This conversation offers a full overview of the blended learning model, in which students receive accredited, biblically grounded online instruction from LUOA professors and weekly, personalized mentorship and enrichment from the Masterpiece team.

From elementary middle school to high school, this episode walks through what each stage of the K–12 journey looks like, and how students are supported academically, spiritually, and personally.

If you're exploring alternatives to traditional schooling and want a system that blends flexibility, rigor, and real relationships, this is your roadmap.

• How Masterpiece Academy and LUOA combine strengths to create a life-giving learning model
• Why blended learning offers the structure of online education with the soul of community
• What makes each K–12 stage—elementary, middle, and high school—distinct and developmentally aligned
• How Dual Enrollment empowers high school students to earn college credits early
• The critical role Masterpiece plays in acting as a second parent, lifting the academic load for families

Masterpiece Academy offers a blended learning experience: online courses + local support LUOA provides a trusted, accredited, Christ-centered curriculum Elementary students build strong foundations while exploring God's world Middle schoolers are mentored through identity formation and academic growth High school students receive personalized advising and leadership development Dual enrollment lets students graduate with up to 64 college credits Masterpiece teachers provide weekly coaching, spiritual mentorship, and community Parents are supported and relieved from managing every detail alone The mission is simple: think biblically, learn excellently, live purposefully

• 00:00 – Education Meets Calling: The Power of LUOA and Masterpiece Affiliation
• 02:49 – Where Wonder Meets Foundation: Elementary Education Insights
• 05:37 – Identity Meets Intention: Middle School Development
• 07:47 – Rigor Meets Purpose: High School Preparation and Formation
• 09:43 – Accelerate with Confidence: Dual Enrollment Opportunities
• 09:54 – The Masterpiece Academy Difference: More Than Just Education

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