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 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!

 

 

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

12 hours ago

🎨🖍️ NH Drawing Club! 🖍️🎨Our 3-Up students got creative during Drawing Club today as they learned how to draw their very own Yoda! 🧑‍🎨✨ It was so much fun watching each student put their own personal touch on their artwork. We definitely have some fabulous young artists at NH! 💚Activities like Drawing Club give our students a chance to build confidence, practice creativity, follow step-by-step directions, and express themselves through art—all while having a great time with friends!We’re loving all the creativity happening at SHADES!#shadesofdevelopment #SHADES #AfterSchool4All #newhopwellshades #easttnafterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #creativekids #afterschoolworks #lightsonafterschool ... See MoreSee Less
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17 hours ago

We’re proud to be a Community Investment Grants United Way of Greater Knoxville funded partner!We are incredibly grateful to the United Way of Greater Knoxville for investing in SHADES of Development and the communities we serve. This support will help us provide valuable services and support to our South Knoxville programs, particularly South Doyle Middle School and Pond Gap Elementary School.Thank you, United Way of Greater Knoxville for helping us continue to make a positive impact on local children, families, and communities! 💚✨#PowerOfPartnership #UnitedIsTheWay #shadesofdevelopment #SHADES #afterschoolalliance #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram #easttnafterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #lightsonafterschool #afterschool4all #weheartafterschool #afterschoolworks #afterschoolmatters ... See MoreSee Less
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🧱 Learning Through LEGO!Building with LEGO in our preschool afterschool program is more than just fun! Children are developing fine-motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, patience, and teamwork as they build, explore, and create with friends. 💚Sometimes the best learning happens when children are simply having fun! 🌟#shadesofdevelopment #shades #AfterschoolAlliance #knoxvilleafterscchool #easttnafterschool #afterschool4all #LightsOnAfterschool #tnafterschoolnetwork #AfterschoolWorks #weheartafterschool #weheartafterschool ... 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.

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.

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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