The Hayes Legacy

The Hayes School of Wonder is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Roland and Wanda Hayes whose love for God, His children, people and His creation was shown not only in their own home but throughout God’s Wonderful world. They served as missionaries in Africa and participated in other mission endeavors through financial support as well as traveling to Russia, several countries in Africa and Japan. Roland was a minister of the Gospel and trained many others to serve the Lord in that capacity. Wanda loved to garden and loved teaching children. Her kind and gentle spirit was evident in her beautiful home garden and in how she cared for and loved children. Their legacy of faith, love and service have touched many lives and we at The Hayes School of Wonder will carry forward that legacy by loving and teaching children about God and His Wonderful creation and to care about His people.

Founding Members

Charlotte Pope

Founder & Owner

Aimee Smith

Co-Founder

The journey to founding Hayes School began with heartfelt conversations about what it would mean to build a school rooted in a legacy of love. Dreaming and planning alongside my mom and sisters was a true joy. Drawing from our combined backgrounds in business, ministry, motherhood, and education, we set out to create something both meaningful and unique. At the time, my own children were very young, and the desire to provide them with an educational foundation rooted in love deeply motivated me—and inspired a passion to cultivate that same experience for others.

It has been an immense delight to watch so many young children grow in their love of learning. Though life has since taken me beyond the United States, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the school flourish from afar. The unwavering dedication, thoughtful research, and tireless efforts of the Hayes School staff have brought our original vision to life in ways that continue to exceed all expectations. What began as a dream in 2012 has blossomed into something far greater than I ever imagined.

Chelsea Hopkins

Co-Founder

I wanted to help establish The Hayes School of Wonder because it was an opportunity to create something that would honor the legacy of my grandparents, Roland and Wanda Hayes. They lived their lives showing the love of Jesus to everyone they met, and I wanted to be a part of something that would carry that same spirit of love forward. The Hayes School has become such an integral part of my own life; I raised my four children here and have been so blessed to be part of this incredible community. The school’s mission of sharing the love of Jesus and educating children through play-based learning has brought me so much joy, and seeing how it impacts the lives of children and families has truly been a blessing. It's a privilege to see their legacy of love continue through this school.

Rebekah Pitts

Co-Founder

It was such a blessing to co-found The Hayes School with my mom and sisters. I could think of no better way to honor my grandparents, Roland and Wanda, and their dedication to loving God and loving people. I know we have honored them well and I am so thankful for all the lives that have been touched by The Hayes School! Being a part of this legacy of faith and commitment to play education is so special to me. I’m so proud of our staff’s dedication and hard work to make Hayes a great experience for every family that trusts us with their children.

Roland and Wanda Hayes

The Hayes Legacy

Founding Members

Our Clients