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 2025-26 afterschool at SHADES? Preregister today to add your children to our waiting list.

Click the enrollment tab for more information.

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

6 hours ago

Creativity was in full swing at the Pond Gap Afterschool Program today! Our students rolled, shaped, and sculpted their imaginations into amazing clay creations. From animals to tiny sculptures and everything in between, it was incredible to see their ideas come to life right in their hands.Working with clay isn’t just fun—it helps kids build fine motor skills, patience, and confidence as they experiment, create, and problem-solve. We love giving our students opportunities to express themselves and explore their creativity in new ways.We’re so proud of our young artists and can’t wait to see what they create next! 🧑‍🎨#shadesofdevelopment #afterschoolalliance #easttnafterschool #afterschoolfun #tnafterschoolnetwork #afterschool4all #creativekids #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram #handsonlearning #pondgapshades #SHADES #lightsonafterschoool ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

7 hours ago

🐝🌸 Learning Through Play at The Fort! 🌸🐝Our friends from Garden Alliance visited the Fort and led the kiddos in a fun, hands-on game all about how bees help flowers grow! The students learned how bees transfer pollen from flower to flower—and their absolute favorite part was "collecting the nectar.” 🍯It was a sweet way to explore nature, teamwork, and the important role pollinators play in our environment. Thank you, Garden Alliance, for bringing learning to life! 🌼#shadesofdevelopment #funwith friends #afterschoolalliance #afterschool4all #easttnafterschool #lightsonafterschool #knoxvillegardenalliance #ftsandersshades #afterschoolfun #weheartafterschool #afterschoolmatters #afterschoolworks #tnafterschoolnetwork #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

10 hours ago

Our kids have been LOVING the dress-up and dramatic play centers at Brickey! 🎭 It’s been so fun to watch their creativity come to life as they pretend, collaborate, and build stories together. Dramatic play is such an important part of an afterschool program because it helps children develop social skills, confidence, language, and problem-solving while they play. Thank you to everyone who helps keep these centers organized so our students can continue to explore, imagine, and learn through play! ✨ #shadesofdevelopment #brickeyshades #learnthroughplay #afterschoolalliance #easttnafterschool #afterschool4all #weheartafterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #afterschoolfun #SHADES #lightsonafterschool #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram ... 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