WELCOME TO DR. HAYES EDUCATES
ACADEMY OF INNOVATION
WHO WE ARE
TWO PATHWAYS. ONE PURPOSE.
Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI) is a nonprofit K–5 full-time hybrid private school and K–8 homeschool umbrella program based in Nashville, TN. We are committed to nurturing each student through a whole-child, faith-infused approach that blends academic excellence with character development, creativity, and community.
Founded by Dr. Alisha Hayes, a licensed reading specialist and educational diagnostician with over 20 years of experience as , DHEAI is led by an educator who reflects the excellence, resilience, and innovation our students deserve. When families come here, they’re choosing a school built on deep care, cultural understanding, and real results—whre learning is personal, and every child is seen, supported, and challenged to thrive.
At DHEAI, students experience a true hybrid model—spending 3 days on campus with certified educators and 2 days learning at home with guided support. We use The HAYES Method™, a research-backed instructional approach that combines structured literacy, conceptual math, executive function coaching, and project-based STEM learning—all grounded in love, equity, and purpose.
We serve:
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K–5 full-time hybrid school students, taught on-site by certified teachers, with online learning supported by parents
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K–8 homeschool students enrolled in our umbrella program, taught at home by parents, with support and accountability provided by our team
As a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) status pending, DHEAI provides access to high-quality education through scholarships, tuition assistance, and sliding-scale models.
Our community honors diversity, inclusion, and equity, while also building strong foundations in character, faith, and respect for one another’s differences.
We’re more than a school—we’re a movement. A place where children are free to thrive, grow in their gifts, and become who they were created to be.
Welcome to DHEAI. Welcome to the future of learning.
TWO FLEXIBLE LEARNING PATHWAYS
—One Powerful Vision
We offer two values-based, flexible learning models that meet modern families where they are — without sacrificing academic excellence or whole-child care.
Option 1: K–5 Hybrid Private School
A full-time, 3 day in-person and 2 days online model for families seeking structure, connection, and flexibility.
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✔ 3 Days In-Person + 2 Days Virtual
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✔ Small-group, personalized instruction
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✔ Values-based, project-driven curriculum
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✔ MAP Growth & Acadience testing included
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✔ Full-day instruction on Mondays & Tuesdays
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✔ WonderLab Wednesdays — enrichment + 1:1 intervention
Option 2: K–8 Homeschool Umbrella Program
Independent homeschooling support with expert guidance, accountability, and community.
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✔ Legal homeschool coverage in TN (Category IV)
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✔ Curriculum planning, quarterly check-ins, and progress tracking
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✔ Benchmark testing (MAP Growth & Acadience)
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✔ Access to planning tools and ongoing parent support
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✔ Quarterly in-person home visits for curriculum review
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✔ Optional add-ons: academic support sessions and enrichment
PATHWAY OPTION ONE:
K-5 HYBRID PRIVATE SCHOOL
3 Days In-Person & 2-Days Online
Because Balance Matters — for Students and Families.
Our K–5 hybrid model blends the best of in-person learning with the flexibility of home-based instruction. With 3 days on campus and 2 days online, students get structure and space to grow. It’s not just convenient — it’s purposeful.
Here’s Why It Works:
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Maximizes Deep Learning Time
In-person days focus on collaboration, guided instruction, and hands-on exploration. Online days foster independence, reinforce key skills, and allow time for creativity. -
Supports the Whole Child
Our rhythm makes space for therapy, rest, family connection, enrichment, and play — reducing burnout while nurturing every part of your child’s development. -
Reduces Classroom Overload
Fewer transitions and smaller class sizes mean more focused teaching, stronger relationships, and deeper learning. -
Builds Self-Directed Learners
The blended model helps students grow in responsibility, time management, and executive functioning — essential for future success. -
Gives Families Flexibility Without Sacrificing Support
Families benefit from consistent support, clear communication, and a schedule that honors both structure and autonomy.
Perfect for families seeking a thoughtful, balanced, and enriching school experience that meets students where they are — and helps them soar.
PATHWAY OPTION TWO:
K-8 HOMESCHOOL UMBRELLA
PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP
Because Guidance Matters — for Homeschooling Families.
Our K–8 Homeschool Umbrella Program supports families who want to lead their child’s learning journey — with expert guidance, accountability, and community. We’re here to help you homeschool with confidence and purpose.
Here’s Why It Works:
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Provides Structure & Support
Families receive pacing guidance, curriculum recommendations, and progress monitoring — without losing the freedom of home-based learning. -
Keeps You Compliant
We handle transcripts, attendance, and state-required documentation so you can focus on your child’s education — not the paperwork. -
Celebrates Personalized Learning
Students can move at their own pace, explore interests, and learn in ways that work best for their needs and personalities. -
Offers a Sense of Belonging
Our families can join in-person meetups, academic clubs, testing opportunities, and optional enrichment activities — no isolation, just connection. -
Led by an Educator Who Gets It
Dr. Hayes brings over 20 years of experience and a genuine heart for helping families build something better. You’re never on your own.
Perfect for families seeking a well-rounded, flexible, and empowering homeschool experience with just the right level of support.
WHAT MAKES OUR
APPROACH DIFFERENT?
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Inquiry-Based Instruction\
We spark curiosity by leading with questions, not lectures. Students dive into hands-on, real-world challenges that promote deep thinking and active learning.
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The HAYES Method Framework™
Our signature approach blends critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Students don’t just learn — they reflect, apply, and own their learning. -
Whole-Child Development
Academic growth is just one piece of the puzzle. We nurture emotional well-being, creativity, and character so students thrive inside and out. -
Values-Based Learning Environment
We weave integrity, empathy, and purpose into everyday instruction — offering students a strong foundation for life, without pressure or preaching. -
Small Class Size, Big Connection
Our micro-classroom model means every student is known, supported, and celebrated. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
EXCELLENCE AT DHEAI
At Dr. Hayes Academy of Innovation, learning isn’t about worksheets and memorization — it’s about purpose, connection, and possibility. Our curriculum is designed to engage the whole child through hands-on, inquiry-driven instruction that prepares students for the real world.
What We Offer:
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STEAM & Project-Based Learning
Students engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary projects that blend science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. From design challenges to collaborative experiments, curiosity drives the learning. -
Literacy & Math Mastery
We use a structured, research-based approach to strengthen foundational skills while encouraging deep thinking and confidence in reading, writing, and problem-solving. -
Creative & Leadership Development
Music, drama, visual arts, and student-led projects empower learners to express themselves, lead with purpose, and develop a strong sense of identity. -
Social-Emotional & Executive Functioning Skills
Through daily routines, coaching, and collaboration, students learn how to manage emotions, work with others, and build essential life skills. -
Experiential & Thematic Learning
Our real-world units connect academic subjects to global topics, history, and community-based challenges—making learning both relevant and unforgettable. -
At DHEAI, students don’t just learn content — they discover their voice, develop their gifts, and grow into thinkers, leaders, and innovators.
JOIN OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation, every child is known, supported, and inspired to thrive. Our personalized, hands-on learning approach nurtures curiosity, confidence, and real-world problem-solving skills.
What Makes Our Learning Model Unique?
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Authentic Learning: Hands-on, project-driven experiences designed for diverse learners.
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Passionate Educators: Dedicated teachers who foster academic growth and problem-solving skills.
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Collaborative Community: A supportive, tight-knit environment where students feel valued.
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A dynamic blend of STEM, leadership, and interdisciplinary learning.Future-Ready Curriculum:
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Character & Integrity: A values-based approach that cultivates responsibility and service.
Enrollment for 2025-2026 is now open. Secure your child’s spot today!
WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING
Real Support. Real Growth. Real Trust.
While this is our first official school year at DHEAI, the response from families — through tutoring, reading intervention, academic testing, and years of educational partnership — speaks volumes.
“Dr. Hayes gave my child confidence in reading again. We’d tried everything, but nothing clicked until her program.”
“We finally found someone who understood our child’s learning profile. The assessment was so thorough — and the support after was life-changing.”
“She’s not just a teacher. She’s an advocate, a coach, and someone who truly sees kids.”
“Dr. Hayes helped me understand how to support my child at home. I finally feel like I’m not doing this alone.”
These stories were built over 20 PLUS years. And now, they’re shaping our first year of school.
DHEAI IS A LEGALLY RECOGNIZED PRIVATE SCHOOL
BY THE STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI) is not a homeschool co-op, pod, or tutorial program. We are a fully registered Category IV Church-Related Private School operating legally in the state of Tennessee under T.C.A. § 49-50-801.
Our school is affiliated with the Tennessee Association of Church-Related Schools (TACRS), and all student enrollment, academic instruction, assessments, and record keeping are handled by DHEAI directly.
Parents do not register as homeschoolers—students are officially enrolled in our school.
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View our listing in the Tennessee Non-Public School Directory >>> https://www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/non-public-schools.html
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Learn more about TACRS>> https://www.tacrs.us/
Experience Life and Culture at
Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation
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