What is the Accelerated Scholars Gifted Program?
The Accelerated Scholars Program at Dr. Hayes Educates and Hayes Innovation Academy is a comprehensive, year-long enrichment track for advanced learners in grades 2–8. This program is designed for students who need more than grade-level work — it’s built for those who crave challenge, depth, and opportunities to stretch their thinking.
Rooted in research-based gifted education models and supported by the HAYES Method™, the program balances literacy, advanced math, STEM, executive functioning, and real-world problem-solving.
Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply needs enrichment beyond their classroom, the Accelerated Scholars Program nurtures their potential while building confidence, leadership, and creativity.
WHO THIS
PROGRAM IS FOR
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Students in grades 2–8 identified as gifted or advanced.
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Learners who excel in specific areas (reading, writing, math, problem-solving) and need more challenge.
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Families seeking a structured, research-based, enrichment program instead of traditional tutoring.
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Students preparing for rigorous middle/high school placements, honors tracks, or gifted pathways.
Core Programs &
Curriculum Sources
Our program is built on nationally recognized gifted curricula and enrichment opportunities, including:
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William & Mary Language Arts Units – advanced literature, persuasive writing, biography studies, and analysis.
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Project M³ (Mentoring Mathematical Minds) – algebraic thinking, fractions, geometry, probability, and real-world math reasoning.
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Integrated Curriculum Model (ICM) – interdisciplinary gifted framework integrating literacy, math, science, and social studies.
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Study.com Enrichment Extensions – cross-curricular self-paced learning projects.
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Perennial Math – gifted math problem-solving competitions.
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Math Kangaroo – international math contest for advanced learners.
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ThinkFun Logic Puzzles & Games – strategy, logic, and critical thinking development.
ACCELERATED SCHOLARS
PROGRAMS FEATURUES
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Advanced ELA – literary analysis, persuasive/argumentative writing, personal biography, and creative expression.
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High-Level Math – fractions, algebra, probability, geometry, and real-world application problems.
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STEM & Innovation Labs – engineering design challenges, weather systems, genetics, and invention prototypes.
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Critical Thinking & Reasoning – logic puzzles, debates, Socratic seminars, and ethical dilemmas.
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Executive Function Coaching – goal-setting, organization, flexible thinking, and reflection.
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Enrichment & Competitions – opportunities to enter contests, publish work, or present projects.
STRUCTURE & SCHEDULE
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Session Length: 50 minutes (individual or small group)
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Format: Available in-person and virtually
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Progression: Designed as a 40-week curriculum arc for consistent growth
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Delivery: Hands-on, inquiry-driven, and personalized to each student’s strengths
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Support: Placement interview and/or review of recent assessment data to ensure correct level
SAMPLE STUDENT EXPERIENCES
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Write a personal biography inspired by figures such as Malala or Michelle Obama.
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Solve multi-step math challenges that require algebraic reasoning and probability.
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Debate complex issues in Socratic seminar format.
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Design and test an invention prototype in our Inventor’s Lab.
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Build an executive function toolkit (visual schedule, goal trackers, reflection strategies).
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Participate in enrichment opportunities like Perennial Math, Math Kangaroo, and essay contests.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE DHE
FOR GIFTED LEARNING & ENRICHMENT SERVICES?
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Built on nationally respected gifted education programs.
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Small group or one-on-one instruction led by a licensed Reading Specialist and curriculum expert.
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Balances rigor with support to challenge without overwhelming.
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Provides both academic enrichment and executive functioning coaching.
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A complete, research-backed, year-long program that prepares gifted students to thrive academically and socially.
We offer:
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Reading comprehension and writing fluency workshops
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GED and HiSET test prep with flexible scheduling
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One-on-one or small group support
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Curriculum tailored to your pace, goals, and life experience
Everyone deserves to read with confidence—and rewrite their story.
GIFTED TESTING IN TN
At Dr. Hayes Educates, we provide comprehensive gifted testing and evaluations for students across Tennessee. Our assessments go beyond a single score — they are designed to identify advanced cognitive ability, creativity, problem-solving, and academic strengths. Using nationally recognized measures, we evaluate whether a child qualifies for gifted identification under Tennessee guidelines, while also giving families a clear, plain-language report that explains results, patterns, and next steps. Whether you are seeking school placement, gifted program eligibility, or entry into our Accelerated Scholars Program, our testing process is supportive, detailed, and tailored to highlight your child’s unique potential.
TESTING & PLACEMENT
At Dr. Hayes Educates, we believe testing should do more than place a label — it should give families a clear, comprehensive picture of their child’s learning profile. Our evaluation process is designed to uncover strengths, identify challenges, and guide next steps with actionable strategies. We use a variety of nationally recognized, research-based assessments that provide insight into academics, cognition, creativity, executive functioning, and learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD.
Assessments We Use (tailored to each child — not every test is given to every student):
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WJ-IV Cognitive – explores how a child thinks, processes, and solves problems
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WJ-IV Achievement – measures academic skills in reading, writing, and math
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CTOPP-2 – identifies strengths and gaps in phonological processing (a key area in dyslexia)
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Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener – provides early indicators and risk factors for dyslexia
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Brown EF Scales – captures attention, working memory, and executive functioning in daily life
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BASC-3 – evaluates social, emotional, and behavioral functioning
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Gifted Assessment Rating Scales (GRS-3 / GARS-3) – nationally normed teacher/parent rating tools for gifted characteristics
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TN Teacher Observation Checklist (TnTOC) – teacher perspective on gifted traits in the classroom
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Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) – measures creative problem-solving and divergent thinking when appropriate
Together, these tools allow us to see the whole child, not just their scores. Families walk away with a detailed written report, a one-on-one results meeting, and a set of personalized recommendations that may include enrichment, intervention, tutoring, or placement in advanced programs such as our Accelerated Scholars Program.
Our Scope & Legal Authority
to Assess in Tennessee
In Tennessee, students can be evaluated for learning needs, dyslexia, executive functioning, and gifted eligibility through approved educational assessments. The state does not require a single test like an IQ exam to determine giftedness; instead, Tennessee recognizes multiple assessment categories — including academic performance, cognition, and creativity/characteristics — which may be measured through tools such as the WJ-IV Cognitive & Achievement, CTOPP-2, Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, Gifted Rating Scales, and the TN Teacher Observation Checklist.
As a licensed Reading Specialist and Educational Specialist, Dr. Hayes is fully trained and authorized to administer these assessments within her scope of practice. This means families can access legally valid, research-based evaluationswithout having to wait months for testing through the public school system. The assessments used are the same instruments recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education and widely accepted by schools across the state for determining eligibility, planning services, and identifying areas of strength and need.
By working with Dr. Hayes Educates, families receive comprehensive testing and documentation that aligns with Tennessee’s official gifted and learning evaluation standards, ensuring results are both actionable and credible.
