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Curriculum and Learning Environment
 K–5 Hybrid Program

​At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI), our K–5 hybrid program offers a dynamic blend of structure, creativity, and personalized learning, grounded in research-based practices and fueled by innovation.

 

Our foundation begins with the Gather, Grow, Guide™ Framework, a gradual release model that centers on whole-child learning:

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Curriculum and Learning Environment

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At Dr. Hayes Educates Academy of Innovation (DHEAI), our K–5 hybrid program offers a dynamic blend of structure, creativity, and personalized learning, grounded in research-based practices and fueled by innovation.

Our foundation begins with the Gather, Grow, Guide™ (G3) Model, a gradual release framework that centers on whole-child learning:

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  • Gather: Whole-group learning, discussion, and community-building.

  • Grow: Targeted small-group exploration, skill practice, and collaborative inquiry.

  • Guide: Individualized support tailored to each learner’s strengths, needs, and readiness for real-world application.

This progression ensures that instruction is personalized, scaffolded, and fluid across all content areas — giving every student the support they need to thrive.

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Academic Curriculum Highlights

Our curriculum intentionally aligns with the mission and vision of The HAYES Method™, integrating active exploration, structured literacy, conceptual math, real-world application, and cross-curricular connections.

At DHEAI, every subject we teach is guided by two key components:

  • The HAYES Method™ (the how): Our unique approach brings learning to life with small-group instruction, hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving, and personalized support.

  • Research-Backed Curricula (the what): The proven programs we use to ensure every student masters essential skills and knowledge.

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Below are examples of how each subject comes to life in our classrooms:

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Phonics & Word Study

  • What We Use: Orton-Gillingham (Structured Literacy)

  • How We Teach It: Multisensory lessons using sand trays, letter tiles, and small-group instruction to build strong foundational reading and spelling skills.

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Reading Comprehension

  • What We Use: Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) and Making Meaning

  • How We Teach It: Engaging read-alouds, guided discussions, and comprehension strategies that build vocabulary and critical thinking, integrated with our small-group, interactive approach.

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Writing/Grammar

  • What We Use: The Writing Revolution (Hochman Method)

  • How We Teach It: Step-by-step instruction, small-group brainstorming, and modeling that empowers students to build clear, confident writing across all subjects.

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Math

  • What We Use: Illustrative Mathematics

  • How We Teach It: Math Moves block that combines real-world problem-solving, hands-on tools, small-group exploration, and collaborative discussions to deepen understanding and build confidence.

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Science

  • What We Use: OpenSciEd

  • How We Teach It: Phenomena-based investigations, hands-on experiments, and model-building that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world connections.

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Social Studies

  • What We Use: Kids Discover

  • How We Teach It: Inquiry-based learning, projects, and discussions that bring history, geography, and culture to life.

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Faith-Infused Character Education

What We Use: Kids of Integrity, Ninja Life Hacks, and executive function resources

How We Teach It: Daily faith-based lessons that develop Christ-like character, leadership, and resilience

Interactive stories and service-driven projects

Activities that build self-regulation, planning, and problem-solving skills

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Our Learning Spaces: Purpose-Designed for Engagement

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Students at DHEAI move fluidly between vibrant, intentional learning environments throughout the week, designed to mirror real-world collaboration, exploration, and innovation:

  • Literacy & Language Room: Whole-group reading, writing labs, structured literacy groups, and research-based literacy interventions.

  • Math & STEM Room: Hands-on math investigations, math talks, engineering challenges, and real-world problem-solving labs.

  • Innovation & Discovery Lab: The PBL headquarters where students design, create, build, and present integrated projects across science, social studies, technology, and the arts.

  • Community Commons: A flexible space used for gatherings, chapel, community-building activities, presentations, and collaborative showcases.

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Each space is intentionally designed to support progression through Gather, Grow, Guide™ Framework, a gradual release model that centers on whole-child learning, giving students ownership of their learning while providing structure and support through the HAYES Method™.

 

STEAM and PBL Integration: Innovation in Every Classroom

DHEAI is proud to be a STEAM-Integrated and Project-Based Learning (PBL) Environment.
Every child applies reading, writing, math, and science skills to meaningful, real-world challenges — designing experiments, writing proposals, solving community-based problems, and presenting innovations to authentic audiences.

 

We don’t just teach for mastery —
We teach for meaning, mindset, and momentum.

Through inquiry, innovation, and leadership development, every student is prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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