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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dr. Hayes Educates & Academy of Innovation (DHEAI)

 GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is Dr. Hayes Educates?
A: Dr. Hayes Educates is a full-service, education-based learning center offering academic testing, personalized tutoring, educational therapy, homeschool support, and enrichment services for learners of all ages—from young children through adults. We specialize in serving diverse learners, including gifted, twice-exceptional, and students who need targeted academic support.

Q: What is Hayes Academy of Innovation?
A: Hayes Academy of Innovation is our K–8 hybrid microschool operating under Dr. Hayes Educates. It is a Category IV, church-related private school in Tennessee built on a modern one-room schoolhouse model that integrates multi-age instruction, mastery-based learning, and project-based STEM experiences.

Q: Is Hayes Academy of Innovation a traditional private school?
A: No. We are a licensed, legal, and innovative hybrid school model. Students are grouped by skill level rather than grade and receive structured, small-group instruction. Our program provides a full academic experience through a flexible model that blends in-person instruction, guided home learning, and real-world application.

Q: Are you a nonprofit?
A: Yes. Dr. Hayes Educates Academy program operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to make high-quality, personalized, and innovative education accessible to families in the Nashville area. Support helps expand programming, provide resources, and increase student access.

ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT

Q: Who can enroll in Hayes Academy of Innovation?
A: We serve students in grades K–8 who thrive in structured, hands-on, and flexible learning environments. Our program is ideal for homeschool families, neurodivergent learners, gifted students, and those seeking an alternative to traditional school.

Q: How do I apply for my child to attend?
A: Families begin by submitting an interest form. From there, we schedule a consultation, discuss your child’s needs, and provide placement recommendations. Enrollment is finalized through our registration system.

Q: Do you offer rolling admissions?
A: Yes. While most families enroll at the start of the school year or semester, we accept new students throughout the year if space is available.

Q: What is your class size?
A: We maintain small, multi-age cohorts of approximately 8–12 students to ensure individualized instruction, strong relationships, and meaningful learning.

Q: Do you offer full-time schooling?
A: Yes—but not in the traditional sense. Our hybrid model provides a full academic experience through:

  • In-person instruction (2 days/week)

  • Guided home learning (2 days/week)

  • Family-led or project-based application (1 day/week)

This structure supports both academic rigor and family flexibility.

Q: Can my child be dually enrolled in public school and Hayes Academy of Innovation?
A: No. Students must be registered as homeschool students or enrolled under our church-related umbrella program to attend.

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

Q: What is the tuition for Hayes Academy of Innovation?
A: Tuition is structured annually (August–May) and varies based on enrollment. It includes academic programming, instructional planning, and core learning experiences. Additional services such as tutoring, testing, and enrichment are separate.

Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Limited need-based scholarships may be available. Families may inquire directly for more information.

Q: Are payments monthly or upfront?
A: Families may choose to pay annually, per semester, or through a monthly payment plan with a card on file.

 

 PROGRAM DETAILS

Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: We use a blended, research-based approach aligned with the HAYES Method, including:

  • Structured Literacy (Orton-Gillingham, Science of Reading)

  • Conceptual Math (hands-on, problem-based learning)

  • Project-Based Learning (STEM integration)

  • Interdisciplinary, standards-aligned units

Q: What makes your approach different?
A: Our program is built on:

  • Small-group, mastery-based instruction

  • Skill-based grouping instead of grade levels

  • Project-based and real-world learning

  • Integrated executive functioning support

  • Personalized learning pathways for every student

Q: What is the HAYES Method?
A: The HAYES Method™ is our instructional framework focused on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and community. It emphasizes mastery learning, real-world application, and whole-child development.

Q: Do students receive grades?
A: Yes. Students receive quarterly progress reports using standards-based grading aligned to skill mastery. Progress is documented through portfolios, performance tasks, and ongoing feedback.

Q: Is homework required?
A: Yes—but it is meaningful, not busywork. Homework is designed to reinforce skills through review, reflection, and real-world application during home learning days.

Q: Is your program faith-based?
A: Yes. We are a non-denominational, faith-infused, church-related school. We welcome families of all backgrounds and operate with values of respect, integrity, and purpose.

 

 TESTING, TUTORING & SERVICES

Q: Do you offer academic testing and assessments?
A: Yes. We provide comprehensive academic and learning assessments, including:

  • Dyslexia and reading evaluations

  • Academic achievement testing

  • Learning profiles and skill analysis

  • Executive functioning screening

Q: Can I enroll in tutoring or testing without the microschool?
A: Yes. All services are available independently of the school.

Q: What is your tutoring model?
A: We offer 1:1 and small group sessions focused on foundational skills, intervention, enrichment, and test preparation. Sessions are personalized and typically 50 minutes.

Q: What is your enrichment program?
A: We offer rotating enrichment experiences such as:

  • STEM & Project-Based Learning Labs

  • Sewing & Design

  • Creative Writing

  • Math Enrichment

We also offer seasonal camps throughout the year.

 LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS

Q: What are your school hours?
A:

  • Microschool (In-Person): 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Monday & Wednesday)

  • Learning Center Services: Available throughout the week with extended afternoon hours

Q: Where are you located?
A: Nashville, Tennessee. Our space includes learning areas, a creative lab, and flexible instructional spaces.

Q: Do you provide lunch or transportation?
A: No. Families are responsible for transportation and lunch.

Q: Are parents allowed to observe or participate?
A: Tours and observations are scheduled by appointment. Students are encouraged to engage independently during instructional time.

Q: Do you offer summer programs or camps?
A: Yes. We offer a variety of academic and enrichment camps throughout the summer and school breaks.

Q: Do you offer support for parents?
A: Yes. We provide homeschool guidance, parent workshops, and consultation services.

 

RECESS, BREAKS & FIELD TRIPS

Q: Do students get recess and breaks?
A: Yes. Students receive daily movement and recess time, along with active, hands-on learning throughout the day.

Q: Where does recess take place?
A: Recess may take place outdoors in a designated safe area or indoors depending on weather conditions.

Q: Do you offer field trips?
A: Yes. Field trips are integrated into our program and aligned with project-based learning themes.

 

STUDENT NEEDS & SUPPORT

Q: Do you serve students with different learning needs?
A: Yes. We support a wide range of learners, including neurodivergent students, multilingual learners, and students with varying academic profiles.

Q: Do you accept students with ADHD or Autism?
A: Yes, if students can participate safely in a group setting, communicate their needs, and work independently for short periods with support.

Q: My child needs reminders and support—will they fit?
A: Yes. Many of our students benefit from structure, guidance, and redirection. That is built into our model.

Q: Do you support students with dyslexia?
A: Yes. We specialize in dyslexia support through structured literacy instruction, screening, and targeted intervention.

 

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Q: How do you support neurodivergent learners?
A: Through structured routines, differentiated instruction, visual supports, and an affirming learning environment.

Q: Is your environment inclusive?
A: Yes. We welcome all learners and create a culture rooted in respect, dignity, and belonging.

Q: Do you partner with parents?
A: Absolutely. We believe education works best when families and educators work together.

Still have questions?
Contact us directly:
info@drhayeseducates.com

🔘 Schedule a Consultation
🔘 Apply Now

sit www.drhayeseducates.com to schedule a free consultation.

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