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

13 hours ago

🎃🧡 Lights On Afterschool at SHADES Karns: Where TEAMWORK, CREATIVITY, and COMMUNITY SHINE! 💜✨The SHADES Karns team did it again! Year after year, our Karns staff goes ALL OUT for Lights On Afterschool, creating memorable events filled with fun, laughter, and meaningful connections. And, of course, their annual group costume is always something to look forward to! 👻🎭What makes Karns so special is the incredible way the staff comes together, participates, and truly engages with one another to make these events happen. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile help create an environment where children feel celebrated, families feel welcomed, and the entire school community can come together. Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated people who give their time, energy, and hearts to make it happen. A HUGE shout-out to the entire Karns staff for helping pull off another amazing night! Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for everything you do for our students and SHADES family! 🙌This is what Lights On Afterschool is all about: showing up, building connections, celebrating our children, and reminding our communities that afterschool programs matter! #shadesofdevelopment #LightsOnAfterschool #karnsshades #AfterschoolWorks #CommunityStrong #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #AfterschoolAlliance #tnafterschoolnetwork #afterschool4all #shades ... See MoreSee Less
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21 hours ago

👻🎃 Lights on Afterschool Monster Mix, Make & Move Night at New Hopewell! 🎃👻What a spooktacular evening! New Hopewell SHADES families joined us for our Lights On Afterschool celebration, and the energy was off the charts! Kids and grown-ups mixed, made, and moved together through monster-themed activities, and the smiles said it all. 💜Nights like this remind us why afterschool matters: it’s where kids learn, create, and connect, and where families get to be part of the fun too!#SHADESofDevelopment #AfterschoolAlliance #NewHopewellSHADES #LightsOnAfterschool #Afterschool4All #AfterschoolFun #EastTNAfterschool #TNAfterschoolNetwork #SHADES ... See MoreSee Less
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💡SHADES Sunnyview’s Lights On Afterschool Celebration! 💡What a FUN night at Sunnyview! We were thrilled to welcome nearly 90 Bigs (parents, friends, family members, former students, and staff) who came out to support our 41 Littles! 🥰From amazing performances to sweet treats at our Book Walk and fun finds at the Book Fair, there was something for everyone to enjoy! But the costumes? They truly made the night MAGICAL! 🪄We had clowns, Buzz Lightyear, a brand-new SHADES teacher, Michael Jackson, and even an old woman who was definitely NOT Ms. Kathi! 😂Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and help make Lights On Afterschool such a special event! SHADES loves events that bring families together, celebrate our students, and create memories that last a lifetime! #SHADESofDevelopment #LightsOnAfterschool #SunnyviewSHADES #AfterschoolWorks #SHADES #AfterschoolAlliance ##EastTNAfterschool #AfterschoolFun ... 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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