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

3 hours 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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Shades of Development

7 hours ago

🌟 NOW HIRING! 🌟Join the SHADES of Development Afterschool Program and make a difference in the lives of students every day!We're currently hiring part-time team members who are passionate about working with youth in a fun, positive, and supportive environment.✨ Why join us?✅ Part-time positions available✅ No nights or weekends✅ Rewarding work with children and teens✅ Great opportunity for students, retirees, and anyone looking for flexible afternoon hoursIf you're dependable, energetic, and enjoy helping young people learn and grow, we'd love to hear from you!📩 Apply today on Indeed or email you resume and letter of interest to employment@shadesofdev#shadesofdevelopmente#knoxvilleafterschooli#knoxvilleparttimejobsl#JoinOurTeamb#shadesourteam #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

23 hours ago

🌙🍪 Learning has never been so sweet!Our SHADES of Development Afterschool Program students had a blast exploring the phases of the moon through a hands-on (and delicious!) Oreo Cookie activity. As they learned about the lunar cycle, they carefully scraped the cookie filling to recreate each phase—from the New Moon to the Full Moon and everything in between!This fun lesson combined science, creativity, and a tasty treat to help our students better understand how the moon changes throughout the month. Activities like these make learning interactive, memorable, and exciting!At SHADES of Development, we're committed to creating engaging experiences that spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning—one Oreo at a time!#shadesofdevelopmentp#afterschoolfuno#easttnafterschoolc#tnafterschoolnetworkt#shadessummercampr#LightsOnAfterschoolc#afterschoolmatterst#afterschool4alll#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