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K-8 HOMESCHOOLING UMBRELLA PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS & SUPPORT 

Curriculum Planning​

  • Families must submit a Curriculum Plan listing selected materials by subject

  • You may choose print-based, online, or blended curricula 

  • A planning form, sample list, and recommendations are provided at enrollment

  • Plans can be updated mid-year as needed

Instructional Days Requirement

  • Families must document 180 instructional days per school year

  • Each day must include at least 4 hours of instructional time

  • Logs may be submitted quarterly or annually using our digital or printable forms

  • Instructional time includes traditional learning and real-life activities (like cooking, nature walks, museums, etc.)

  • ​​
Science Project at Home

Progress Monitoring​

Progress Monitoring is Required check-ins help us monitor student growth and keep everything organized.

These are due:

  1. Quarter 1: October 

  2. Quarter 2: January

  3. Quarter 3: March 

  4. Quarter 4 (End-of-Year)

  • Actual dates will be shared once your child is registered with us. 

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Each check-in includes:

  • A short written reflection on learning progress

  • A 4-point rubric grade for each subject (1–4 scale)

  • Optional work samples (highly encouraged but not required)

  • Notes on challenges, strengths, or requests for support

  • End-of-Year Summary (Required)​​

Teacher Helping Student
Online Class

Documentation & Tools Platforms

Gradelink Parent Portal
All families receive login credentials for Gradelink — our secure platform to:

  • Upload curriculum plans, attendance logs, and check-ins

  • Receive reminders, school-wide announcements, and assessment reports

  • Request official documents (enrollment, report card, withdrawal letter)

  • Message Dr. Hayes securely

Optional Portfolios (Encouraged)


We recommend building a portfolio throughout the year that includes:

  • Work samples

  • Photos

  • Projects

  • Student journals

  • Creative showcases

Happy Little Girl

 

Communication & Parent Support 

Support Included in Enrollment:

  • Fall Parent Planning Session

  • Optional Spring Check-In

  • Gradelink access + all templates and forms

  • Quarterly check-in reminders & feedback

 

Flexibilty with Accountability 

We know homeschooling doesn’t always go as planned. That’s why we offer flexibility — without compromising accountability.

  • Take breaks when needed for illness, life events, or travel

  • Count real-life experiences as learning (with intention)

  • Catch up during evenings, weekends, or summer if needed

  • Communicate if you fall behind — we’ll work with you, not against you.

 

Freedom with Accountability

​At DHEAI, we believe parents are the experts on their children — and that homeschooling should be built on flexibility, creativity, and real-life learning. However, as a legal umbrella school registered in Tennessee, we also require structure and documentation to remain compliant and ensure every student is learning.

Families are required to:

  • Use a curriculum that covers core subjects:

    • Reading/Language Arts

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Social Studies

  • Map out a quarterly scope and sequence with Dr. Hayes at the beginning of the year (included in enrollment)

  • Submit a basic weekly schedule for learning routines (a template is provided)

  • Provide quarterly portfolio samples (photos of work, journals, writing, or projects)

  • Integrate the HAYES Model™ as a framework for lesson planning and student growth

Encouraged (but not required) subjects include:

  • Creative Arts

  • Bible/Character

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Movement and wellness

We do not require families to follow a boxed curriculum or a strict pacing guide. Instead, our focus is on mastery, flexibility, and joy in learning — not rote memorization or busywork.

Sisterhood
Family Unwrapping

 

Parent & Family Exceptions

DHEAI is a professional educational institution — even in homeschool form. All families agree to:

  • Submit required documents by deadlines

  • Communicate respectfully and through official channels

  • Participate in assessments and planning as needed

  • Maintain honesty in reporting and attendance

  • Supervise students at in-person events

  • Honor professional boundaries (no unapproved texting or pop-ins)

 

​K-8 Comprehensive Educational Services 

  • 1:1 tutoring with Dr. Hayes

  • Academic testing and evaluations

  • Curriculum consultations

  • Seasonal camps, workshops, enrichment events

  • Homework help and intervention planning

  • Financial Aid is available to those who apply and meet our application criteria.

  • You can email info@drhayesacademy.com to schedule a time to meet with Dr. Hayes and learn more about our services. You can also go to www.drhayeseducates.com or click on the tab in the menu.

Mother and Son

 

K-8 Comprehensive Educational Services ​

  • 1:1 tutoring with Dr. Hayes

  • Academic testing and evaluations

  • Curriculum consultations

  • Seasonal camps, workshops, enrichment events

  • Homework help and intervention planning

  • Financial Aid is available to those who apply and meet our application criteria.

  • You can email info@drhayesacademy.com to schedule a time to meet with Dr. Hayes and learn more about our services. You can also go to www.drhayeseducates.com or click on the tab in the menu.

Experience Homeschooling Success with DHEAI!

Image by Matt Walsh

Questions? Interested in getting started? Complete this form and we will get back with you within 24-48 hours.

Classmates in the Library
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