SHADES of Development

We believe that children and families have the right to participate in after-school programs that support their beliefs, values, and goals.

Interest in 2026-27 afterschool at SHADES? Preregister today to add your children to our waiting list.

Click the enrollment tab for more information.

SHADES would like to announce our intent to apply for the 2026 Lottery for Education Afterschool Programs (LEAPs) grant. We welcome input and feedback.

You can support SHADES by connecting your Kroger Plus Care to SHADES. Note: Connecting your card to SHADES does not affect your personal rewards in any way! Click the image to learn how!

"SHADES At Home" Schedule Website

SHADES OST Resource Blog

SHADES Keeps the Lights on After School!

SHADES of Development is a private non-profit organization that provides Extended Learning Programs during out-of-school-time to students in PreK through 8th grade in the Knoxville, Knox County area. Our programs are in a school-based settings and focus on an adventuring learning approach to support social, emotional and cognitive growth. Inquire today about enrollment. By shopping through Amazon Smile, you are making a difference for kids! Amazon Smile works with your Prime membership and you will receive the same great benefits. Thank you for making a difference!

Health and Insurance Resources for Parents

About Us

https://www.shadesofdevelopment.org/contact/We are a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing afterschool and summer programs to student in Knoxville.

OUR STORY

Locations

SHADES of Development is proud to be serving families and children at nine Knox County School locations.

OUR LOCATIONS

Parent Portal

Be sure to check out the SHADES Parent Portal to pay fees, update contact information, and access receipts.

PARENT PORTAL

FACEBOOK FEED

Shades of Development

16 hours ago

As another incredible summer comes to a close, we’re filled with gratitude for our amazing site directors who made this season so special for the children and families we serve. Their leadership, dedication, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts created safe, fun, and enriching environments where kids could learn, grow, and make lifelong memories.Today, our directors came together for a leadership retreat to celebrate a successful summer and begin preparing for the upcoming school year. We collaborated, shared ideas, and planned intentionally to ensure a smooth transition into our after-school programs for our staff, students, and families.We also took time to enjoy some fun team-building games and laughter-filled breaks, strengthening the relationships that help us work together so effectively. After all, the best teams are built not only through planning, but through connection, trust, and a shared passion for serving others.To our directors—thank you for your servant hearts, unwavering commitment, and the incredible impact you make every single day. We are grateful for each of you and can’t wait to see all that this new school year will bring! 💚 #shadesofdevelopment #directorretreat #teambonding #SHADES #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

2 weeks ago

🦖 Meet one of our Junior Paleontologists! This week at SHADES, our explorers are digging into all things dinosaurs with hands-on activities, fossil discoveries, and prehistoric adventures. It's going to be a ROAR-some week of learning and fun! #shadesofdevelopmentp#HandsOnLearningr#DiscoverNewThingsh#afterschool4alll#easttnafterschoolc#tnafterschoolnetworkt#LightsOnAfterschoolc#afterschoolmatterst#weheartafterschoolc#shadesH#knoxvillesummercampr#knoxvilleafterschoolprogramogram ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

2 weeks ago

🦖🌿 Welcome to Jurassic Week! 🌿🦕This week, our afterschool program has been transformed into a prehistoric adventure! Campers are becoming junior paleontologists as they dig for fossils, create dinosaur-themed crafts, tackle exciting STEM challenges, and roar their way through games inspired by the world of dinosaurs.From towering T. Rex discoveries to creative dino fun, every day is packed with hands-on learning, imagination, and adventure. We can't wait to see where this Jurassic journey takes us!Stay tuned all week for photos of our explorers in action! 🦕#shadesofdevelopmentp#afterschoolfuno#easttnafterschoolc#LightsOnAfterschoolc#afterschool4alll#tnafterschoolnetworkt#learningthroughplayh#JurassicWeekc#shadesHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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NEWS

Stay Up to Date

Stay up to date about events, curriculum, in-service days, holidays, inclement weather days and much more. Be sure to visit the SHADES Event Calendar to be in the know about important dates.

Events Calendar

DONATE

Support SHADES

Choose from the numerous ways that you can support the efforts of SHADES of Development to provide afterschool and summer program to all kids in need of support during out-of-school time.

I want to help

Testimonials

Our Students Love Us

“My son has been going to SHADES for 5 years now and I have always been happy with SHADES, and more importantly my son has been happy.”

Estes Family - Brickey

“The single most important factor in my decision to use SHADES is the way they partner with Karns Elementary. Having knowledge of what goes on in the school and supporting school activities is paramount.”

Clark Family - Karns

“I have been so pleased with SHADES over the last 6 years. The staff has been fantastic. Our overall experience has been very positive and we definitely recommend the program to those entering elementary school or any new students.”

Smith Family - Powell

“SHADES puts my child and their safety first.. The staff makes me very comfortable discussing all areas concerning my child.”

Bowman Family - Sam E. Hill

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Enrollment

Locations