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

20 hours ago

Pond Gap SHADES brought Lights On Afterschool to life with an evening full of excitement, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections!From Webb Robotics working alongside our students to an up-close, hands-on experience with reptiles led by one of our staff members, there was something exciting around every corner! The evening also included games, crafts, and plenty of opportunities for fun and discovery.We were honored to welcome SHADES Board Member Carney Ivy and Hallie Duncan, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office, who joined us to celebrate the importance of afterschool programs in our community.Events like this remind us that afterschool is so much more than a place to go when the school day ends. It is a place where curiosity is sparked, new interests are discovered, relationships are built, and children are given opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.A huge THANK YOU to our Pond Gap staff, community partners, and everyone who helped make this evening so special. This is what keeping the lights on afterschool is all about! ❤️#SHADESofDevelopment #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolMatters #PondGapSHADES #LightsonAfterschool #AfterschoolAlliance #Afterschool4All #WeHeartAfterschool #TNAfterschoolNetwork #EastTNAfterschoolProgram #AfeterschoolFun #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less
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💡 Keeping the Lights On After School Makes a Difference!For working parents, knowing their children are in a safe, caring, and enriching environment after the school day ends means everything. As the parents in this video share, SHADES of Development provides more than afterschool care. It provides peace of mind. It gives parents the confidence that their children are being well cared for, supported, and given opportunities to learn and grow while they are at work.That peace of mind allows parents to focus on their jobs, earn a living, and maintain financial stability for their families, knowing their children are in good hands.Keeping the lights on afterschool means supporting children, strengthening families, and helping working parents succeed. It is an investment that reaches far beyond the hours between school dismissal and the end of the workday.When we keep the lights on afterschool, we make it possible for children to thrive and families to stay strong. 💚#shadesofdevelopment#LightsOnAfterschool #afterschoolmatters #supportingfamilies #StrongerFamilies #AfterschoolAlliance #CCommunity #afterchool4all #easttnafterschool #weheartafterschool #tnafterschoolnetowrk #aftereschoolfun #shades #fairgardenshades ... See MoreSee Less
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Cedar Bluff SHADES celebrated Lights On Afterschool with a fun-filled day of STEM activities, games, and dress-up fun! As a Pre-K site, providing a rich, engaging learning environment beyond the traditional school day is so important in helping our youngest learners explore, create, and grow.A special shout-out to the Cedar Bluff staff for going above and beyond by dressing up as beloved Winnie the Pooh characters and bringing extra excitement to the children's experience! It's that kind of enthusiasm and involvement that makes afterschool so s#LightsOnAfterschoolfterschool 🍯🐻 Cedar Bluff SHADES celebrated Lights On Afterschool with a fun-filled day of STEM activities, games, and dress-up fun! As a Pre-K site, providing a rich, engaging learning environment beyond the traditional school day is so important in helping our youngest learners explore, create, and grow.A special shout-out to the Cedar Bluff staff for going above and beyond by dressing up as beloved Winnie the Pooh characters and bringing extra excitement to the children's experience! It's that kind of enthusiasm and involvement that makes aftersc#shadesofdevelopment##LightsOnAfterschool#LightsOnAfterschool##shadesh#earlylearningH#afterschool4alli#easttnafterschooll#tnafterschoolnetworkTN#afterschoolmatters #knoxvilleafterschoolprogramleAfterschoolProgram ... 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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