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

6 hours ago

🧪🎨✨ 🧑‍🚀🌍Curiosity was on full display during SHADES of Development's field trip to The Muse!Our students had an incredible time exploring, creating, experimenting, and discovering through hands-on STEAM activities. From science and engineering challenges to creative art experiences, every exhibit encouraged our young learners to ask questions, solve problems, and let their imaginations soar.At SHADES of Development, we believe some of the best learning happens through exploration and play. We're grateful for opportunities like this that help our students build confidence, think creatively, and develop a lifelong love of learning.A special thank you to The Muse for providing an engaging environment where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics come to life in exciting and meaningful ways!Here's to inspiring the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders—one adventure#shadesofdevelopmentes#scienceisfun #afterschool4alla#easttnafterschools#themuseknoxvilleh#LightsOnAfterschooltsonafterschool#tnafte#shadessummercamph#afterschoolmatterse#knoxvilleafterschooli#shadesr#afterschoolfun#afterschoolfun ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook

Shades of Development

9 hours ago

Learning came to life on our fieldtip to WonderWorks! Our SHADES of Development students had an unforgettable day exploring, discovering, and learning through hands-on experiences during our field trip to WonderWorks! From interactive science exhibits to exciting challenges that sparked curiosity and creativity, every moment was filled with educational fun.We love providing opportunities that inspire our students to ask questions, think critically, and learn beyond the classroom. Watching their excitement as they explored and experienced STEM in action was truly priceless!A big thank you to everyone who helped make this amazing day possible. We can't wait for our next adventu#shadesofdevelopmentp#afterschool4alll#fieldtripfuni#AfterschoolAlliancei#easttnafterschoolc#tnafterschoolnetworkt#afterschoolfuno#InteractiveLearningr#wonderworkstnr#LightsOnAfterschoolc#afterschoolmatterst#shadesofdevelopmentsummercamprcamp ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook

Shades of Development

4 days 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

Photo

View on Facebook

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

Want to know more?

Nunc consequat justo eget enim finibus porta. Suspendisse orci nunc. Nunc consequat justo eget enim finibus porta. Suspendisse orci nunc.

Enrollment

Locations