Raising Readers and Writers: How to Build Literacy at Home

Want to raise confident readers and skilled writers? In this post, Krishna Cart shares practical strategies for supporting literacy at home and explains how parents can use everyday routines, smart tech choices, and personalized tutoring to strengthen reading and writing skills from K–12.

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Coaching Children Toward Passion and Purpose: Lessons from the Gabrial Family

How do you raise children who are driven, grounded, and guided by purpose? In Episode 7 of the Learning by Design podcast, Krishna Cart talks with Helena and Charles Gabrial about how coaching—not controlling—helped shape Helena and her sister Antonia’s academic and personal paths. From navigating gifted test prep and setbacks, to staying rooted in faith and character, this episode unpacks what it really means to parent with purpose. As Charles quotes, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

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PSAT® to Paycheck: Scholarship Hacks No One Talks About

Discover the timeline, myths, and strategies behind National Merit recognition, and learn how to boost your PSAT score to qualify for scholarships that no one talks about. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with must-know insights that can help secure free college funding.

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High School Success Roadmap: A Grade-by-Grade Guide to College & Career Readiness

Navigating high school can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, success is within reach! Whether you’re a student preparing for college or a parent guiding your child’s academic journey, having a structured roadmap is essential. In this grade-by-grade guide, we outline the key academic, extracurricular, and test preparation steps to help students stay on track—from freshman year to senior year.

Discover how early test preparations for PSAT®, SAT®, ACT®, and college essay preparation can make a huge difference in scholarship opportunities and admissions success. Don’t leave your future to chance—start preparing today with expert-led test prep and college essay coaching.

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Academies of Loudoun Admission Process: Tips & Strategies for Success

Master the Academies of Loudoun Admission Process! 🚀 Learn expert strategies for acing the STEM Thinking Skills Test and Academies of Loudoun Writing Task with personalized test prep. Discover how strong writing skills, critical thinking, and STEM-focused extracurriculars can boost your chances of acceptance. Watch our video podcast for actionable tips and insights! Start preparing today!

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Cracking the Code: Insider Secrets to TJHSST Admissions Success

Gaining admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is no easy feat—but with the right strategy, you can maximize your chances of success. In this episode of Learning by Design, we break down the TJHSST admissions process, share insider tips, and reveal what makes a standout application. From mastering the Student Portrait Sheet and STEM essay to acing the problem-solving section, we cover everything you need to know to crack the code and stand out from the competition. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this guide will help you navigate one of the most competitive STEM high school admissions processes in the country.

Read the blog and listen to our Learning by Design Episode 3!

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From Learner to Mentor, From TJ to Teaching: Kunal Saxena’s STEM Journey

In Episode 2 of Learning by Design, TJHSST alumnus and Masterpiece Academy mentor Kunal Saxena shares his journey from student to educator. Starting at Young Scholars Circle (aka The Masterpiece Academy), Kunal built a foundation of resilience and discovered the value of communication in STEM. His time at TJHSST brought both challenges and growth, teaching him time management and teamwork. Now, as a mentor, he helps students unlock their potential through inclusive, student-centered teaching.

Kunal’s story extends beyond students, offering valuable lessons for the community:

Through his experiences, Kunal highlights the true measure of success: empowering others. His journey—from learner to mentor—embodies the values of Masterpiece K12: lifelong learning, resilience, and community.

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