​GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is Dr. Hayes Educates?
A: Dr. Hayes Educates is a private, education-based organization that offers academic testing, personalized tutoring, homeschool support, and enrichment services for learners of all ages—from young children through adults. It is designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, including gifted, twice-exceptional, and struggling students.

Q: What is the Academy of Innovation?
A: The Academy of Innovation is our nonprofit hybrid microschool program operated under Dr. Hayes Educates. It combines multi-age, project-based, and STEAM-rich instruction with hands-on learning in a flexible hybrid model.

Q: Is DHEAI a traditional private school?
A: No. We are a licensed, legal, and innovative hybrid school model that provides full academic programming in a flexible format. While we are not traditional in structure, we do offer five days of learning for families who desire a full academic experience led by Dr. Hayes, as well as a hybrid track for families seeking a combination of in-person and parent-led learning. Our model blends structure, creativity, and autonomy—making room for real-world, differentiated, and meaningful education.

Q: Are you a nonprofit?
A: Yes. The Academy of Innovation is the official nonprofit branch of Dr. Hayes Educates and operates under our 501(c)(3) designation. Our mission is to make high-quality, creative, and hands-on education more accessible to families in the Nashville area. Donations to the Academy support scholarships, innovative programming, and student access to STEAM-based learning.​​

ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT

Q: Who can enroll in the Academy of Innovation?
A: We accept students in grades K–8 who thrive in hands-on, flexible, and inquiry-based environments. We welcome homeschoolers, neurodivergent students, and children seeking an alternative to traditional school.

Q: How do I apply for my child to attend?
A: Families can begin by completing the interest form on our website. We follow up with a consultation, tour, and placement recommendations. Final enrollment is completed through our Sawyer portal.

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

Q: What is your class size?
A: We maintain small, multi-age groups—typically 6–12 students per class. This ensures individualized support and community.

Q: Do you offer full-time schooling?
A: Yes—but not in the traditional sense. We offer a hybrid model with two options: (1) in-person learning paired with parent-led homeschooling, or (2) a combined in-person and online learning experience facilitated by Dr. Hayes. This flexible structure provides a comprehensive academic experience while supporting family autonomy and student needs.

Q: Can my child be dually enrolled in public school and DHEAI?
A: No. Students must either be registered homeschoolers or enrolled in our church-related umbrella program to attend DHEAI. When families enroll through our umbrella program, they have multiple track options: (1) two days in-person paired with three days of parent-led instruction at home, (2) two days in-person plus three days of online instruction led by Dr. Hayes, or (3) full-time online enrollment in our virtual middle school program. Students in the virtual middle school are officially registered as private school students under DHEAI.

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

Q: What is the tuition for the Academy of Innovation?
A: Tuition varies by program, number of days, and services. Microschool pricing is based on annual or semester enrollment. Tutoring, enrichment, and testing are priced separately.

Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Limited need-based scholarships and discounts may be available. Please inquire directly.

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

PROGRAM DETAILS

Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: We use a blend of high-quality curriculum resources aligned to the HAYES Method, including Illustrative Math, Orton-Gillingham literacy, project-based STEAM units, and interdisciplinary learning.

Q: What makes your approach different?
A: We integrate project-based learning, executive function coaching, arts integration, real-world problem-solving, and personalized learning plans in a supportive, neurodiverse-affirming space.

Q: What is the HAYES Method?
A: The HAYES Method is our proprietary teaching model rooted in 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 updates, including report cards that use a standards-based grading scale of 1 (emerging), 2 (developing), and 3 (mastery). Progress is communicated clearly through portfolios, reflections, and narrative feedback.

Q: Is homework required?
A: Yes—but it’s not busywork. Homework at DHEAI is meaningful, project-based, and designed to reinforce previously taught skills through review, reflection, or hands-on exploration at home.

Q: Is your program faith-based?
A: Yes. We are a faith-based school operating under the Tennessee Association of Church-Related Schools. We are non-denominational, non-sectarian, and open to all races, nationalities, creeds, faiths, and denominations. We do not discriminate and welcome every family with love and respect. Our guiding verse is Matthew 5:16 — "Let your light shine before others."​

TESTING, TUTORING, & SERVICES

Q: Do you offer academic testing and assessments?
A: Yes. We offer comprehensive psychoeducational screenings, learning style inventories, dyslexia evaluations, and academic assessments using nationally normed tools.

Q: Can I enroll in just tutoring or testing without the microschool?
A: Yes. All services are available à la carte. You may enroll in testing, tutoring, or enrichment independently of the Academy.

Q: What is your tutoring model?
A: We offer 1:1 and small group tutoring focused on foundational skills, test prep, executive function, and enrichment. Sessions are 50 minutes and tailored to each learner.

Q: What is your enrichment program?
A: We offer rotating workshops in areas like sewing, creative writing, STEM labs, math games, and arts. These change each semester and are open to the public. We also offer seasonal academic and enrichment camps throughout the year, including summer and school break sessions.

​

LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS

Q: What are your school hours?
A: DHE is open Monday through Friday, with varying schedules based on the day and service:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: Open 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Microschool: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Tutoring & Enrichment: 3:00 PM – 6:20 PM)

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Open 9:00 AM – 6:20 PM (Microschool: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Tutoring & Enrichment: 3:00 PM – 6:20 PM)

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located in Nashville, TN. Our location includes learning spaces, a creative lab, and a parent workspace.

Q: Do you provide lunch or transportation?
A: Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from the program. We are not a drop-off or bus service. Lunch must be brought from home; however, lunch options may be provided in the future.

Q: Are parents allowed to observe or participate?
A: Parents are welcome to attend certain workshops and events. For regular programming, we ask that families allow students to engage independently.

Q: Do you offer summer programs or camps?
A: Yes. We offer a variety of summer enrichment and academic camps, as well as seasonal programs during fall, winter, and spring breaks.

Q: Do you offer support for parents?
A: Yes. We believe in partnering with families and offer a range of parent empowerment workshops, homeschool guidance, and coaching opportunities throughout the year.

​

RECESS, BREAKS & FIELD TRIPS

Q: Do students get recess and breaks during the day?
A: Yes. Students at DHEAI receive designated daily recess and movement time, typically 15–20 minutes. In addition to formal breaks, students are consistently engaged in hands-on, active learning throughout the day. We do not operate a "sit and get" model—our learning is dynamic and interactive.

Q: Where does recess take place?
A: When weather and activity allow, recess is held outdoors in a designated area on the side of our building. We use safety cones, "Kids at Play" signage, and traffic-free protocols to maintain a secure play space. Students wear high-visibility safety vests for easy identification and are always supervised. Indoor recess and brain breaks are incorporated frequently, especially during hot, rainy, or cold weather.

Q: Do you offer field trips?
A: Yes. We provide both on-campus and off-campus field trip experiences throughout the year. These are intentionally planned to connect with our project-based learning themes and to enhance student engagement and real-world exposure.

​

STUDENT NEEDS & SUPPORT

Q: Do you serve students with disabilities or special learning needs?
A: Yes. We are an inclusive community that supports a wide range of learning needs. Our lead educator is trained and experienced in working with neurodivergent students, multilingual learners, and children with varying academic profiles, including learning differences and advanced abilities.

Q: Do you accept students with ADHD or Autism?
A: We welcome students with ADHD and Autism if they are able to communicate verbally, work independently for short periods, participate safely in group settings, and do not require one-on-one support. Students must be able to engage without posing harm to themselves or others. Our environment is best suited for students who can follow a structured routine with some reminders and redirection.

Q: My child is energetic, talkative, and needs some extra reminders—do they qualify?
A: Absolutely. If your child is safe, respectful, and able to work independently in short spurts with some guidance, we can provide the structure, tools, and strategies to help them thrive.

Q: Can my child have dyslexia?
A: Yes. Dr. Hayes specializes in supporting and assessing students with dyslexia. We offer structured literacy instruction, dyslexia screening, and diagnostic services aligned with state standards.

​

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Q: How do you support neurodivergent students?
A: We create safe, structured, and affirming spaces with sensory supports, differentiated instruction, visual schedules, and staff trained in neurodiversity best practices.

Q: Is your environment inclusive and affirming?
A: Absolutely. We celebrate all learners, backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Our culture is rooted in kindness, dignity, and inclusion.

Q: Do you partner with parents?
A: Yes. We view parents as collaborators and allies. We maintain regular communication and offer optional parent workshops.

Still have questions?
Reach out directly at info@drhayeseducates.com or visit www.drhayeseducates.com to schedule a free consultation.