Play-based preschool in Morton, Illinois
Small classes. Caring teachers. A purposeful start for children ages three through kindergarten.
Founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, a doctoral researcher in early childhood education.
Find your child’s program
Ages, mornings and monthly tuition. Start with the stage your child is in.
Fresh 3's Fridays
Age 3Join after turning 3
3's Preschool
Age 3Join after turning 3
4's Preschool
Age 42026–27 enrollment closed
Kindergarten Prep
Age 5 by Nov 302026–27 enrollment closed
Kindergarten
Age 5 by Sep 302026–27 enrollment closed
Beyond the Classroom
Enrichment, activities, and summer programming for ages 3–13.
They play. They learn.
They grow in confidence.
Learning through play
Hands-on activities build early reading, math and problem-solving skills.
Friendships & independence
Children practice sharing, expressing their feelings and trying things for themselves.
Known by their teachers
A 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio makes room for individual attention.
Led by Dr. Michelle Peterson
A doctoral researcher in early childhood education, an educator with 20 years of experience, and the person who will show you around Spark.
Meet Dr. Peterson →
What Spark Families Are Saying
— Holly, Spark Academy Parent
A Homelike School in the Heart of Morton
Spark Academy is located at 1989 N Morton Ave in Morton, IL — a warm, intentionally designed space that feels more like a second home than a school.
Explore our guide for families in Morton and nearby communities.
Morton · Washington · East Peoria · Peoria
Come see the classrooms.
Meet Dr. Peterson.
Request a personal, no-pressure tour. We’ll contact you to arrange a time. Bring your child if you’d like.
Request a TourPrefer to call? 309-291-3292
Quick Answers for Busy Parents
How much does Spark Academy cost?
Tuition ranges from $100/month (Fresh 3's Fridays) to $700/month (Kindergarten), paid over 10 months with a 10% discount for full-year payment. Tuition is all-inclusive — curriculum, supplies, art materials, enrichment, and daily snacks. No supply lists, no hidden fees. Compare programs →
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?
Book online in under a minute, or call 309-291-3292. We may be in the classroom — leave a message and we'll call you back the same day.
Have a Question?
Thinking about Spark but not quite ready to visit? Send us your question and we'll get back to you personally.
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