
Tennessee IEA Participating School
Tennessee IEA Participating School
Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI) is a Tennessee participating non-public school serving eligible students through the Tennessee Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program.
Our academy provides a personalized educational experience focused on academic growth, small-group instruction, individualized support, and innovation-driven learning.
Grades Served: K–8
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
School Type: Tennessee Non-Public School
Funding Accepted: Tennessee IEA


What Is the Tennessee
Individual Educational
Account Program?
The Tennessee Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program provides eligible students with state-funded educational dollars that may be used toward approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating schools.
Families interested in using IEA funds should verify eligibility through the Tennessee Department of Education and complete all required state documentation.
Why Families Choose DHE Academy of Innovation?
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Small learning environment
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Personalized instruction
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Individualized academic support
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Reading and math intervention available
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Executive functioning support
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Project-based learning opportunities
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Flexible educational pathways
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Experienced educational leadership
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Progress monitoring and parent communication


Eligible Students
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DHEAI welcomes students who benefit from:
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Individualized instruction
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Smaller class sizes
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Academic support
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Dyslexia intervention
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Alternative learning environments
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Flexible educational options
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Admissions decisions are based on program fit and available openings.
Admissions Process
Step 1
Submit an Start the Enrollment Process Form.
Step 2
Schedule a Family Consultation.
Step 3
Review Academic Records and Student Needs.
Step 4
Determine Program Fit.
Step 5
Complete Enrollment and Tuition Agreement.
Step 6
Submit Required IEA Documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept IEA funding?
Yes. Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI) participates in the Tennessee Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program for eligible students. IEA funds may be applied toward tuition and approved educational expenses in accordance with Tennessee Department of Education guidelines.
Do I need to be approved for IEA before applying?
No. Families may begin the admissions and enrollment process while completing IEA eligibility and funding requirements through the Tennessee Department of Education.
Do you accept ESA or EFS funds for tuition?
No. ESA and EFS funding are separate programs and are not applied toward DHEAI tuition. However, eligible educational services provided through Dr. Hayes Educates LLC may qualify for ESA or EFS reimbursement depending on program guidelines.
Is DHEAI a traditional five-day school?
No. DHEAI is a hybrid microschool that follows our innovative 2-2-1 Learning Model:
2 Days In-Person Learning
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Small-group instruction
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Direct teacher support
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Hands-on projects and collaborative learning
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Academic intervention and enrichment
2 Days Guided Home Learning
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Structured assignments
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Teacher-created learning plans
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Independent practice and mastery activities
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Ongoing progress monitoring
1 Day Family Learning
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Family-directed learning experiences
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Community engagement
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Educational field experiences
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Project completion and real-world application
This model combines the benefits of personalized instruction, family involvement, flexible scheduling, and academic accountability while supporting each student's individual learning needs.
What makes DHEAI different?
DHEAI combines small-group instruction, individualized learning plans, educational therapy-informed practices, project-based learning, and family partnership to create a personalized educational experience focused on mastery, growth, and innovation.
