5:1 Ratio
5:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Small, unhurried groups where every child is known by name and temperament.
Play-based preschool in Morton, Illinois · January 2027 enrollment
A new year. A beginning that fits your child.
The child you see in January may be ready for something they weren’t ready for in August. At Spark, their mornings can be filled with building, exploring, making friends, and discovering the satisfaction of doing something independently.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming 6 new students in January — explore the remaining classroom places below.
Preschool, Not Daycare
Ages 3 through Kindergarten
January 2027 Classroom Availability
Find their January mornings.
There isn’t one perfect month to begin preschool — there is a time that feels right for your child and your family. Select a morning schedule below to request a tour, or explore full program and tuition details.
Tap a morning schedule in any classroom card to select it, or let us help you decide.
We’ll confirm current availability, eligibility and your child’s first day with you. Requesting a tour starts a conversation and does not reserve a place.
Doctoral-Led
Research behind every day
The only preschool in Central Illinois founded & led by an early childhood Ed.D.
All-Inclusive
Supplies, learning & daily snacks
Every classroom supply, art material, enrichment class, and snack is included.
The Purposeful Play Framework
The joy of play. The confidence for what comes next.
One tower.
So much learning.
What looks like simple block play is intentionally guided skill-building.
- Early math
- Count. Compare sizes, balance, and spatial relationships.
- Friendship
- Share materials. Take turns and build a shared idea together.
- Resilience
- When it tumbles, rethink the foundation and try again.
Teacher lens: Guided invitations turn open-ended play into measurable kindergarten readiness.
Early reading. Math. Friendships. Your child builds skills for school through joyful play, with teaching shaped around them.
Our Purposeful Play Framework, designed by Dr. Michelle Peterson, helps teachers plan for your child's strengths and next steps — so nothing in their morning is filler.
Every Spark Morning Includes Intentional daily rhythm
01 Academic Play
02 Monthly Developmental Playroom
03 Daily Enrichment (STEM, Spanish, Art, Music)
04 Outdoor Play & Shared Snack
Leadership & Heart
Known by name. Nurtured by design.
Dr. Michelle Peterson brings doctoral research and 20 years in education to a school built around relationships. Our teachers know your child. Our classroom doors are open to you.
Meet Dr. Michelle Peterson →
See how your child can grow at Spark
A short welcome from Dr. Michelle Peterson.
Explore the interview series
★ Parent Voice
“Since beginning at Spark, our son has begun to notice and identify letters while we are out and about.”
Our teachers
Meet the Spark Team
Get to know the people your child will spend their mornings with.
Ms. Ashley 
Ms. Anna 
Ms. Kandis 
Ms. Kyleigh 
Ms. Angel 
Ms. Brittany 
Ms. Kierra 
Ms. Vanessa 
Ms. Avery 
Ms. Erica
Swipe to meet everyone
“The environment is the perfect mix of skills/learning, play, creativity and FUN!”
Programs & Schedules
From first friendships to kindergarten.
Remaining January 2027 seats for each classroom are listed above. Looking for another schedule, a combination of mornings, or planning ahead for next fall? We’re happy to talk through the options.
Preschool Mornings (3's & 4's)
8:30–11:30 AM
Kindergarten Prep & Kindergarten
8 AM–12 PM
Start in January 2027
Children can begin midyear in an established, welcoming classroom — with five full months of learning and friendships ahead through May.
See remaining January seats ↑
Planning for Fall 2027?
Current Spark students receive first choice for 2027–2028 enrollment, or you can join our next-fall waitlist directly.
Join the Fall 2027 waitlist →
More ways to grow
Drop-off homeschool enrichment, after-school studio classes, and summer play through age 13.
Visit Spark Academy
Come picture their first mornings.
Bring your child and your questions. Meet the teachers, explore the classrooms, and talk with us about whether January could be your child’s beginning.
✓ About 30 minutes
✓ Bring your child
✓ No pressure to enroll
Request a tour
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292 We may be in the classroom. Leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.
-
Request a tour.
Share your name and a way to reach you. We'll follow up to arrange a time for your family.
-
See their day. Talk it through.
Explore the classrooms, meet the team, and talk about the program, schedule, and start date that fit.
-
Get ready for their first day.
When you're ready, we'll guide you through enrollment and help your child feel at home.
1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, IL 61550
Get directions on Google Maps ↗
Coming from Peoria or Pekin? Explore visit details for your community, or see all areas we serve.
Common Questions
A few things you may be wondering.
Clear, straightforward answers as you consider what's right for your child.
More answers for parents →How much does Spark Academy cost?
Tuition varies by program and schedule. You can find current tuition and enrollment details on each individual program page.
Tuition includes curriculum, supplies, art materials, daily enrichment, and snacks. No supply lists, no hidden fees.
Find your child's program to explore schedules and tuition.
What ages does Spark Academy serve?
Core preschool programs serve ages 3 through kindergarten. Enrichment programs — Discovery Station, After-School Enrichment, and Camp Play — extend up to age 13. All programs require potty training.
Is Spark Academy a daycare?
No — Spark is a play-based preschool, not a daycare. A daycare's purpose is supervision; every part of a Spark morning is intentional, curriculum-driven education designed by a doctoral researcher. Read the full comparison
How do I schedule a tour?
Request a tour online and we'll follow up to arrange a time, or call 309-291-3292. We may be in the classroom — leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.
Ask Us Anything
What would you like to know?
Ask about start dates, schedules, tuition, or your child's first school experience. You don't need to be ready for a tour.
Tap a topic to start your question:
Dr. Michelle Peterson will reply personally by email. She responds on weekdays, usually the same day.
Your information is private. We'll only use it to answer your question. Privacy Policy
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292