ABOUT HAYES ACADEMY
OF INNOVATION
Hayes Academy of Innovation is a K–8 hybrid microschool in Nashville, Tennessee designed to provide a personalized, mastery-based alternative to traditional education.
We combine structured academics, small group instruction, and real-world learning experiences to develop confident, capable students who are prepared for both academic success and life beyond the classroom.
HAI MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
To nurture the whole child through hands-on, meaningful learning that builds confidence, character, and a love for learning.
Our Vision
To create a learning environment where students become thinkers, leaders, and compassionate individuals prepared to impact the world.
WHO HAYES ACADEMY IS DESIGNED FOR
HAI is designed for families seeking a high-quality, whole-child education without being boxed into traditional systems.
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We are a strong fit for:
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Families seeking avalues-based model hybrid microschool model
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Homeschool families wanting structure, support, and community
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Students who thrive in small group settings (10–14 learners)
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Learners who excel through hands-on, project-based learning
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Students who benefit from flexible pacing and individualized support
WHY HAYES ACADEMY IS DIFFERENT
Hayes Academy of Innovation is not a traditional school—and it is not built on a traditional teaching model.
Our program is led by a doctoral-level educator, licensed reading specialist, and certified Orton-Gillingham practitioner with deep expertise in dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences.
This level of training is not typical in most schools. At Hayes Academy, it shapes everything—from how instruction is delivered to how students are supported.
Most schools accommodate learning differences.
We are built for them.
We specialize in:
• Structured literacy and dyslexia intervention using research-based methods
• ADHD and executive functioning support built into the school day
• Mastery-based learning that allows students to progress with understanding—not pressure
• Small-group instruction that ensures every child is known, seen, and supported
Rather than expecting students to fit into a system, we design the system around the student.
This is what makes Hayes Academy different.
OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
We believe learning should be purposeful, engaging, and centered around the individual child.
At HAI, education is not one-size-fits-all. We combine strong academics with hands-on exploration, character development, and a flexible hybrid structure that allows students to truly thrive.
Our model is built on:
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Small class sizes and multi-age learning
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Skill-based instruction instead of rigid grade levels
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Thematic, interdisciplinary learning
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STEM, project-based exploration, and real-world application
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Faith-informed character development
We don’t just teach content—we develop thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers.
Learn more about our curriculum and instructional approach. Click Here to Visit our Curriculum Page
OUR FAITH FOUNDATION
Hayes Academy of Innovation, a microschool in Nashville, is a faith-informed, non-denominational Christian microschool and Category IV church-related school in Tennessee.
Our school culture is rooted in Biblical principles that guide how we learn, lead, and treat one another. We intentionally create a space where character is developed alongside academics.
Students engage in:
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Short, meaningful faith moments
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Acts of service and gratitude
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Leadership rooted in integrity and compassion
We welcome families who value a faith-based foundation that is present, purposeful, and woven naturally into the school experience.
Our Anchor Verse
“Let your light shine before others…” — Matthew 5:16
This reflects our mission to help every student grow with confidence, purpose, and integrity.
OUR VALUES
Our values shape how we teach, lead, and build community at Hayes Academy of Innovation.
We are committed to developing students who are confident, capable, and grounded in strong character.
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Wisdom – Thinking critically and making thoughtful decisions
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Integrity – Acting with honesty, responsibility, and accountability
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Service – Showing kindness, empathy, and care for others
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Determination – Building perseverance, grit, and resilience
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Originality – Embracing creativity, innovation, and individuality
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Motivation – Inspiring curiosity and a lifelong love of learning
OUR VISION IN ACTION
At HAI, education is designed to fit the learner—not the other way around.
We’ve created a small group learning environment school model rooted in relationships, responsibility, and real-world relevance. Our goal is to develop students who are not only academically strong, but confident, thoughtful, and prepared to lead.
Whether a child thrives with structure, flexibility, or a blend of both, HAI provides an environment where they are seen, supported, and challenged.
MORE THAN A SCHOOL — A COMMUNITY
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HAI was built with families in mind. We understand parents want to be involved without feeling overwhelmed.
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Our model provides:
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Structure with flexibility
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A supportive, relationship-driven environment
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Strong school-family partnership
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At HAI, students don’t have to fit into a box—we design learning around who they are and who they’re becoming.
State-Recognized Private School (Category IV)
Hayes Academy of Innovation is a Category IV Private Church-Related School, fully
licensed under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801 and § 49-6-3050(b)(2)(C).
This designation grants full private-school status while also offering legal umbrella coverage for families who homeschool under our supervision.
As a Category IV school, Hayes Academy of Innovation:
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Operates as a recognized private educational institution, not a co-op or tutoring program.
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Maintains the authority to hire certified and qualified instructors, establish academic policies, and implement research-based curriculum aligned with the HAYES Method.
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Issues official student records, including transcripts, report cards, and diplomas recognized by colleges, universities, and the College Board.
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Offers both on-campus instruction (two days per week) and home-based learning (three days per week), blending the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure of a private school.
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Provides parents the freedom to participate in instruction while ensuring compliance with all Tennessee attendance, record-keeping, and academic requirements.
Families enrolled with Hayes Academy of Innovation are legally recognized as private-school students in the state of Tennessee — not independent homeschoolers — giving them access to accredited testing options, graduation pathways, and post-secondary opportunities.
🔗 View our school info in the Tennessee Non-Public School Directory:
🔗 Learn more about TACRS: