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

20 hours ago

🍦☀️ Sweet summer fun at Shades of Development! ☀️🍦When the summer sun is shining bright, sometimes the next best thing to eating ice cream is creating your own! 🎨✨ Our campers had a blast crafting colorful paper ice cream cones, using their creativity and imagination to design the sweetest treats around.As they glued, colored, and decorated their masterpieces, there was plenty of talk about everyone's favorite ice cream flavors—and lots of dreaming about enjoying the real thing on these hot summer days! 🍨💕We love activities that spark creativity, encourage conversation, and bring smiles to every camper's face. After all, summer is all about making sweet me#shadesofdevelopmente#makingmemoriesn#shadese#afterschool4alls#easttnafterschoolf#lilghtsonafterschoolf#shadessummercamps#AfterschoolWorksc#afterschoolfunrschoolfun ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

1 day ago

🌟 Celebrating Our Leaders in Training (LITs)! 🌟At Shades of Development, we couldn't be more proud of our amazing Leaders in Training! These outstanding older campers are stepping up to become positive role models for our younger campers, leading with kindness, patience, responsibility, and enthusiasm every single day.Our LIT program is about so much more than lending a helping hand—it's about building confidence, developing leadership skills, and preparing our youth for future success. By giving our older campers meaningful responsibilities, they learn the value of teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leading by example. These are skills that will benefit them not only at camp but throughout school, future careers, and life.Our younger campers look up to their LITs, and it's inspiring to watch the friendships and connections they build. Seeing our older campers encourage, mentor, and support the next generation reminds us why this program is such an important part of the Shades of Development family.To our LITs: Thank you for your hard work, your positive attitudes, and for showing what true leadership looks like. You are making a difference every day, and we are so proud of each and every#shadesofdevelopmente#Litsv#leadersintraininga#afterschool4alla#easttnafterschools#MakingADifferencek#shadesf#shadessummercamph#LightsOnAfterschoolt#afterschoolmatterse#tnafterschoolnetworke#developingskillsforlifengskillsforlife ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

2 days ago

☀️💦 Beating the heat, one splash at a time! Our campers at Shades of Development are making the most of these hot summer days by staying cool with plenty of water play! From splash-filled games to exciting outdoor activities, there's no better way to enjoy summer while making memories with friends.Water play isn't just fun—it also helps keep our campers active, refreshed, and smiling all day long! 😎🌊Here's to sunshine, laughter, and lots of splashes as we make this summer one t#shadesofdevelopmente#shadessummercamph#afterschool4alla#easttnafterschools#afterschoolfun##tnafterschoolnetworke#AfterschoolAlliancer#LightsOnAfterschoolt#afterschoolmatterserschoolmatters ... 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