Every Word Has a Story.
Every Student Can Learn to Uncover It.
Reading is about so much more than sounding out words.
It's about discovering patterns.
Making connections.
Asking questions.
Building confidence.
And learning that the English language is far more logical—and far more fascinating—than most students ever realize.
That belief is at the heart of everything we do at The Literacy Lady.
Whether we’re working with a beginning reader, a middle school student with dyslexia, a high school student preparing for college-level coursework, or a classroom full of educators, our mission is always the same:
To help people understand how words work.
Because when students understand the structure, meaning, and history of words, something remarkable happens.
Reading becomes less intimidating.
Writing becomes more intentional.
Vocabulary grows naturally.
And students begin to believe they can tackle words they once thought were impossible.
That's why I developed Word Detectives™—a word inquiry approach to literacy that teaches students to investigate words rather than simply memorize them. From foundational phonics to advanced academic vocabulary, Word Detectives™ helps learners discover that words have patterns, stories, and meaning waiting to be uncovered.
That philosophy influences everything we do, including:
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Individualized reading intervention
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Dyslexia therapy
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Small-group literacy classes
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Homeschool support
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Professional development for educators
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Curriculum and instructional resources
I have never believed in one-size-fits-all instruction.
Every learner deserves thoughtful, research-informed teaching that builds both skill and confidence.
My mom once told me, "Carva, you can't save them all."
I smiled and replied, "But I sure can try."
That simple conversation still reminds me why I do this work every day.
Thank you for being here.
Whether you're a parent searching for hope, a teacher looking for fresh ideas, or a school leader committed to improving literacy, I'm honored that you've trusted me to be part of your journey.
Let's start investigating.
- Carva King, Ed.S, LDT
ACT Test Prep Expert
Adolescent Reading Specialist
Licensed Dyslexia Therapist
Workshops, Classes & Programs Led by The Literacy Lady
ACT Academy
The primary ACT test prep service I offer is my highly-successful ACT Academy program. ACT Academy is more than a workshop: It is a comprehensive program that includes direct instruction, guided practice, and coaching in preparation for an official ACT National Test Date. My favorite part of ACT Academy is the opportunity to "coach" students to success – a component of ACT Academy that sets the program apart from others!
Literacy Academy
My Literacy Academy reading intervention program is designed for students with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities, as well as students who do not have diagnosed disability but who do demonstrate reading deficits. Prior to enrolling a student in the Literacy Academy reading intervention program, a reading skills assessment is conducted to identify the student’s reading skills deficits. My goal with Literacy Academy is to provide struggling readers with the type of reading instruction that they deserve!
Teacher Academy
Teachers want to learn from teachers. My experience leading professional development at the local, district, state, and regional level is built upon over two decades as a public school educator. Through Teacher Academy, I offer professional development and training services for schools and educational organizations in a variety of specialized topics designed for educators who work at the secondary school level.
"You are a teacher, a motivator, a leader, a nudger and a cheerleader."
Susan B. - Parent
The Literacy Lady's Learning Studio
Literacy-based learning solutions with the mission of empowering students to achieve their academic and college/career goals
I founded The Literacy Lady, LLC in 2022 after nearly seven years of building my highly-successful ACT Academy program. In May of 2023, I opened a small office in Long Beach, MS, and my Literacy Academy summer reading intervention program was born. The business quickly outgrew that small space and in May 2024, I opened The Literacy Lady’s Learning Studio in Diamondhead.
During the first three months at the new location, I began building a team of exceptional educators and expanding services to include reading skills assessments and a comprehensive K-12 summer and after-school reading intervention and dyslexia therapy program. During that time, I also launched Coastal Academy, a 5th-9th grade microschool program designed to serve a diverse group of learners - including those with learning disabilities and ADHD - using a hybrid homeschool model.
Because of the on-going success of ACT Academy and the rapid growth of the new programs, I was recognized in the 2024 class of “100 Most Successful Women to Know” and was a nominee for that honor again in 2025. The Literacy Lady’s Learning Studio was the winner of both the 2024 and 2025 WXXV Viewer’s Choice Award for BEST Tutoring & Supplemental Education Service on the MS Gulf Coast, as well as the 2024 winner of Diamondhead’s Best Woman-Owned Business. This is a special place to be ~ not only for me, but for every educator, parent, and student who walks through our doors!
