WHO WE ARE
MANY 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 and led by Dr. Alisha Hayes, a licensed reading specialist and educational diagnostician with over 20 years of experience in education. DHEAI embodies 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—where 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 STEAM 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.
DHEAI's MISSION
To nurture and develop the whole child through authentic, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, foster personal growth, and empower students to be compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged members of their community.
DHEAI's VISION
To create a transformative educational environment where students become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals who positively impact the world, grounded in strong values and a sense of purpose.
DHEAI's CORE VALUES
Our values are built on the acronym WISDOM:
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Wisdom – Encouraging students to think critically, seek knowledge, and make thoughtful decisions.
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Integrity – Cultivating honesty, responsibility, and strong moral character.
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Service – Instilling a spirit of kindness and community, encouraging students to serve others with compassion.
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Determination – Teaching students to embrace challenges with perseverance and resilience.
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Originality – Celebrating creativity, innovation, and individuality in learning.
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Motivation – Inspiring a love for lifelong learning, curiosity, and excellence.
DHEAI PHILOSOPHY
At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI), we believe learning should be purposeful, engaging, and student-centered.
Our philosophy blends academic excellence, hands-on exploration, and character development to ensure students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
We cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and leadership through a personalized, community-driven learning experience. With small class sizes and a hybrid model, students thrive in a structured yet flexible environment that fosters independence, collaboration, and a love for lifelong learning.
DHEAI ANCHOR VERSE
“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”— Matthew 5:16.
This verse reflects our core mission: to help every student shine—boldly, joyfully, and with purpose—while honoring the gifts that make them unique.
DHEAI STATEMENT OF FAITH
At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation, we acknowledge and honor the role of faith in education, character, and community. As a Christian-affiliated, non-denominational school, we are committed to offering a welcoming, respectful space for all families—regardless of church affiliation or background.
As a Category IV Church-Related School, we are rooted in the following core beliefs:
Every child is created with purpose, dignity, and unique gifts that deserve to be nurtured with care and respect.
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God is the source of all truth, and education is a sacred calling to cultivate wisdom, creativity, and compassion in the next generation.
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We are guided by Christian principles of love, justice, and stewardship in all areas of learning, leadership, and service.
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While our foundation is faith-based, we welcome families from all backgrounds who believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
WHAT MAKE DHEAI
STAND OUT?
At DHEAI, we offer a forward-thinking approach to education designed to meet the needs of modern families.
Our program is built on academic excellence, faith-based values, and innovative instruction, ensuring that students thrive in a nurturing and challenging environment.
✔ Balanced Hybrid Schedule – Blending structured in-person instruction with at-home learning for flexibility without compromising quality
✔ Small Class Sizes for Big Impact – With a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio, each child receives personalized attention
✔ STEAM ,Project-Based & Hands-On Learning – Prioritizing real-world problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking
✔ Tailored Instruction – Lessons adapted to fit different learning styles, sparking curiosity, confidence, and motivation
✔ Strong Parent Partnership – Working closely with families to ensure academic and social success
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.
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.