Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoinette Francis.
Hi Antoinette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Jacksonville native whose love for reading began early, thanks to countless trips to the Jacksonville Public Library with my family. That passion quickly turned into a love of learning—and eventually, teaching. After graduating from the University of Florida, I followed my calling into education.
I spent six years teaching in both Florida and Asia, where I discovered my true purpose: helping struggling readers. No matter the classroom or class size, there were always students who felt defeated by reading—some even said they hated it. I knew the problem wasn’t motivation; it was that they were missing foundational reading skills. Determined to change that, I committed myself to learning how to teach reading effectively and spent years helping students become confident readers. Watching their frustration and annoyance turn to joy and delight in reading text they once struggled to read was a blessing to witness.
In the summer of 2024, I took a leap of faith and founded Literacy to Legacy Services. Leaving the classroom allowed me to fully focus on our mission—helping students give reading another try and giving them the skills needed to be proficient readers. Watching that lightbulb moment, when a child realizes they can read and that anything is possible drives everything I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running Literacy to Legacy Services has not always been a smooth road. At times, running a business has felt like learning a new language—navigating paperwork, filing taxes, and streamlining processes has all been a learning curve. I’ve also experienced both busy seasons and quieter months. During the quieter times, I stay true to our mission of helping my students flourish and I look for new ways to serve and connect with my community. Every challenge has helped me grow and refine my approach as both an educator and an entrepreneur.
We’ve been impressed with Literacy to Legacy Services , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Literacy to Legacy Services was founded in 2024 with the mission of helping students build strong reading skills that lead to lifelong confidence and success. We provide comprehensive reading assessments and individualized, one-on-one reading tutoring for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
While we support all students with reading challenges, we specialize in working with students with dyslexia using research-based, structured literacy approaches grounded in the Science of Reading. We believe reading is the foundation for all learning and a lifeline that opens doors to endless opportunities.
We offer in-person tutoring in the city of Saint Marys in Georgia and virtual services for students worldwide. We proudly serve homeschool families, ESL students, and students in traditional school settings. As a direct pay provider for the Step Up For Students Scholarship, we also support Florida families, including those in Jacksonville, and take pride in helping students grow not only as readers, but also in confidence and independence
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the wonderful memories I have made—and continue to make—in Jacksonville. I appreciate my church community, the overall friendliness of the people, and, of course, my love for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville is a city that continues to evolve, empowering people to live fully and create meaningful lives.
If there’s one thing I like least, it would be the traffic, which can sometimes be a challenge as the city continues to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.literacytolegacyservicesllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literacytolegacyservices24/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Literacy-to-Legacy-Services/61560618781592/
- Other: https://lls24.carrd.co/
