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

23 hours ago

Shades of Development
SHADES staff extends heartfelt gratitude to St. John’s Cathedral and SHADES board member Carney Ivey for their generous donation of beautiful floral arrangements. These stunning arrangements were shared with our directors as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.They added a lovely touch to our APAW (Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week) brunch, and each director was able to select an arrangement to take back to their center—bringing brightness and joy to both their space and their day. #shadesofdevelopment #afterschoolprofessionalsappreciation #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

23 hours ago

Shades of Development
Lesson plans don’t just live on paper… they come to life in moments like this!Our little scholars tapped into their creativity AND critical thinking:✂️ They practiced fine motor skills by cutting vertical lines and rebuilding their watermelon masterpieces. 🍉�🧩 They strengthened their problem-solving and teamwork by working in groups to complete number puzzles 1–10.�🍉 And of course… we ended on a sweet note sharing fresh watermelon together.As we wrapped up the last few weeks of March, we are so proud of how much our kids explored during our Spring Fling series.�From fruits & veggies to plants, insects, and soil—they’ve been learning by doing, touching, and experiencing the world around them 🌱🐜We even took it outside for some Nature Walk Loading… where curiosity meets fresh air 💨�Rocks, ants, birds, and all things spring—our classroom just got bigger 🪨🐜🐦‍⬛🍀This is what building minds AND moments looks like 💚 #shadesofdevelopment #fairgardenshades #aftersschool4all #easttnafterschool #tnafterschoolalliance #afterschoolmatters #youthdevelopment #springlearning #handsonlearning #firstgeneducator #community #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

1 day ago

Shades of Development
Spring has sprung, and our Fort Sanders friends are back in the garden with the help of Knox Garden Alliance! 🌱🌸They’re busy planting and learning all about flowers and vegetables, and we can’t wait to see what their gardens produce. Stay tuned for the growth ahead! 🌼🥕 #shadesofdevelopment #afterschoolalliance #knoxgardenalliance #ftsandersshades #afterschool4all #SHADES ... 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.
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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