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

21 hours ago

The weather is looking amazing this weekend! ☀️If you’re searching for a fun, family-friendly activity, consider heading to the Chalk Walk on Market Square. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, explore incredible chalk art created by talented artists, and spend quality time together in the heart of the community.The Chalk Walk will take place downtown Knoxville/Market Square on April 11th, from 8 am - 5 pm.This is a free event and perfect for all ages—come out, take a stroll, and be inspired! 🎨✨#shadesofdevelopment #downtownknoxville #getoutside #afterschoolalliance #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

22 hours ago

🌱 MOES Garden Club Update! 🌻Our SHADES Afterschool students had a fantastic time getting their hands dirty and growing something beautiful! Today, they planted wildflowers, repotted their sunflower seedlings 🌻, and worked together to pull weeds and care for their garden.We’re so proud of their teamwork and love for nature—can’t wait to see everything bloom! 🌼💚#shadesofdevelopment #mtoliveshades #afterschoolalliance #afterschool4all #easttnafterschool #tnafterschoolmnetwork #knoxvilleafterschooloprogram #lightsonafterschool #teamwork #afterschoolfun #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less

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Shades of Development

1 day ago

🛸 SHADES at Karns – NASA Space Club Update! 👽Our NASA Space Club took creativity to another galaxy today! Students had a blast designing and creating their very own aliens, using their imaginations to dream up life beyond Earth.As they built their extraterrestrial creations, they also explored fun space concepts and talked about what it might be like to live on other planets. From silly to super unique, every alien was out of this world!We love seeing our students combine creativity, curiosity, and a little bit of science in such a fun way. 🚀✨#shadesofdevelopment #karnsshades #nasaclub #AfterSchoolFun #easttnaftereschool #aftereschoolalliance #tnafterschoolnetwork #shades #afterschool4all #knoxvilleafterschoolprogram #afterschoolmatters #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks #weheartafterschool ... 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