ACADEMICS AT HAI
Learning at Hayes Academy of Innovation is built on strong academic foundations, hands-on learning, and small-group instruction.
We combine research-based practices with real-world application to ensure students build deep understanding—not just complete assignments.
Our approach emphasizes:
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Strong literacy and writing development
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Conceptual math understanding
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Hands-on science and real-world learning
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
Instructional Framework:
The HAYES Method™
Instructional Framework: The HAYES Method™
At DHEAI, learning is hands-on, brain-based, and purpose-driven. Our two-day hybrid program is powered by The HAYES Method™, a signature framework grounded in research and innovation. Built on four pillars—Community, Cognitive Scaffolding, Critical Thinking, and Creativigity (creativity + cognitive agility)—our approach ensures every child is seen, supported, and stretched.
Our curriculum includes:
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Structured Literacy using Orton-Gillingham principles and CKLA
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Conceptual Math with Illustrative Mathematics
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Executive Function Coaching woven into daily practice
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Systematic Writing Instruction using The Hochman Method
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STEM Integration & Project-Based Learning across subjects
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Faith & Character Development through Kids of Integrity and Ninja Life Hacks
We don’t do busywork. We build thinkers, doers, and leaders.
Because structure and creativity don’t have to be opposites—they’re both essential to real learning.
THE H.A.Y.E.S. METHOD
The HAYES Method™ is built on five pillars that reflect our values, instructional practices, and belief in the brilliance of every child:
H – Hook & Engage
We start strong — with curiosity, movement, inquiry, or story — to ignite the learner's mind and spark interest from the very beginning.
A – Active Exploration
Students learn by doing. Whether it's solving real-world problems or engaging in hands-on projects, learning is interactive, rigorous, and meaningful.
Y – Your Voice & Thinking
We center student agency. Learners reflect, explain, and discuss — building metacognition, confidence, and communication skills.
E – Expand & Apply
Knowledge is not just memorized — it’s applied. Students connect learning across disciplines and explore how it relates to the world around them.
S – Showcase & Reflect
Students present what they’ve learned through performance, presentation, or creative expression — reinforcing mastery and pride in their work.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Structured Literacy
Reading and writing are taught through structured literacy practices, integrating the Science of Reading, writing development, and culturally responsive texts. Whether analyzing novels or writing original pieces, students grow as readers, communicators, and thinkers — empowered to use their voices for impact.
Phonics/Morphology
Explicit phonics instruction is paired with word mapping and morphology to build decoding, fluency, and vocabulary. We teach spelling rules, root words, affixes, and patterns using multisensory techniques, helping students become confident and accurate readers and writers.
Math
We teach math conceptually — not just procedurally. Using our Hayes Math Block and WGI Model™, students build deep number sense, explore real-world problems, and use manipulatives and visuals to bring math to life. From fluency to reasoning, we meet every learner where they are and stretch them toward mastery.
Writing
Writing is taught through a structured, process-based approach focused on clarity, organization, and voice. Grounded in the Hochman Method, students write across genres, connect writing to their lives and learning, and grow into purposeful communicators.
Social Studies
At HAI, Social Studies is more than memorizing dates — it's about understanding identity, community, and systems. We explore history through multiple perspectives, connect civics to real-world issues, and empower students to become active thinkers and global citizens. Through Project-Based Learning, students investigate the past to build a better future.
Science
Science at DHEAI is hands-on, minds-on. From life cycles to engineering design, students explore scientific phenomena through inquiry, labs, and real-world connections. Grounded in STEM principles and critical thinking, science isn’t just a subject — it’s a way to question, test, and discover how the world works.
Our Innovative Time:
Enrichment Block
This daily block is where curiosity meets creativity. Students dive into monthly thematic units that blend STEM, literacy, social studies, and art into meaningful, hands-on projects.
✔ Project-Based Learning
✔ Engineering & Design Thinking
✔ Creative Writing, Visual Arts, & Performing Arts
✔ Real-World Service Projects
✔ Genius Hour-style Exploration
This isn’t an “extra.” It’s the heart of how we make learning stick.
Movement & Music
We believe movement fuels learning. Instead of traditional P.E., students participate in a daily Motion & Meditation Block — a mix of outdoor play, movement-based games, yoga-inspired mindfulness, and student-led activities that support self-regulation, focus, and joy.
✔ Indoor/Outdoor Mixed Movement
✔ Brain Breaks with Purpose
✔ Guided Breathing & Mindfulness
✔ Whole-Group Games, Creative Play, and Student-Led Fun
It’s all part of our commitment to nurturing the body, brain, and heart.
S.T.E.M. + Project-Based Learning
At HAI, S.T.E.M. and project-based learning are a core part of how students learn.
Students don’t just memorize information—they build, design, test, and solve real-world problems.
What This Looks Like
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Real-World Projects
Students design, build, and solve meaningful challenges -
Hands-On Learning
Use of materials, tools, and interactive activities to bring learning to life -
Cross-Subject Learning
Reading, writing, math, and science are integrated into each project -
Collaboration & Independence
Students work together and independently to explore ideas and create solutions
DAILY INNOVATION TIME
At HAI, Innovation Time happens every day, whether students are learning in-person or online. It’s a protected block for creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application — where students drive their own learning and bring ideas to life.
Student-Led Projects
Learners pursue topics they’re passionate about — from designing games to launching mini-businesses, building inventions, or writing books.
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Hands-On Challenges
Through design thinking and maker-centered learning, students build, test, revise, and reflect on their process. -
Creative Expression
Innovation Time includes space for coding, sewing, engineering builds, digital media, art, and anything that merges curiosity with creation. -
Daily Ownership
Whether on campus or working remotely, students use Innovation Time to explore, research, create, and grow — with support from their teacher.
Innovation isn’t a subject. It’s a mindset. And we nurture it every single day.