Fresh 3's Fridays
3 (rolling birthday enrollment)8:30–11:30 AM
| Days | Morning Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday only | 8:30–11:30 AM |
Spark Academy · Morton, Illinois
Spark, at a glance.
A private, play-based preschool founded by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. Five core programs help children grow through purposeful play, from their third birthday through kindergarten.
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
Ages 3 Through Kindergarten
DCFS Licensed · CCAP Accepted
- Class Size & Ratio
- 5:1 Ratio · 10–12 StudentsSmall classes led by degreed & credentialed teachers
- Core Programs
- Ages 3 to KindergartenFresh 3's Fridays, 3's, 4's, K Prep & Private Kindergarten
- All-Inclusive Tuition
- All-Inclusive · CCAP AcceptedIncludes curriculum, supplies, daily enrichment & snacks
Small school. Personal attention.
Every child is known.
A 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and classes of 10–12 give children room to build relationships, confidence, and independence.
Purposeful play. Individual learning paths. An open door for families.
School facts and contact information
- School Name
- Spark Academy
- Type
- Private preschool — premium, play-based, doctoral-led
- Founded
- 2023
- Founder & Executive Director
- Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. — Doctor of Education, Illinois State University
- Phone
- 309-291-3292
- [email protected]
- Website
- sparkacademymorton.com
- Ages Served
- 3 through 5 years old
- Programs
- 3's Preschool, 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, Kindergarten, Fresh 3's Fridays
- Additional Programs
- Camp Play (Summer), Discovery Station (Homeschool Enrichment), After-School Enrichment
- Curriculum
- The Purposeful Play Framework — built on Experience Early Learning
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio
- 5:1
- Maximum Class Size
- 10–12 students per class
- Number of Sections
- 4
- DCFS Licensed
- Yes — licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
- Tuition Structure
- All-inclusive — includes curriculum, supplies, daily enrichment, and snacks with no supply lists or hidden fees
- Financial Assistance
- Illinois CCAP accepted for all core programs; eligibility and coverage vary.
- Service Area
- Morton, Peoria, Washington, East Peoria, Germantown Hills, Metamora, and surrounding Central Illinois communities
- School Year
- September through May
- Hours
- 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (Kindergarten Prep, Kindergarten) · 8:30–11:30 AM (3's, 4's, Fresh 3's Fridays)
Licensing, staff and family access
- DCFS Licensed
- Yes
- Fire Code Compliant
- Yes
- CPR/First Aid Certified Staff
- On-site at all times
- Background Checks
- All staff cleared per DCFS requirements
- Safe Schools Compliant
- Yes
- Credentialed Teachers
- Every teacher holds a degree or credential in education
Parents may visit classrooms during the school day without an appointment. Staff members know every family by name.
Core programs
Five ways to begin.
Choose the age and rhythm that fit your child. All programs require potty training.
All-inclusive tuition includes curriculum, supplies, daily enrichment, and snacks — with no supply lists or hidden fees. Explore each program page for full schedule and enrollment details.
3's Preschool
Start when they turn 38:30–11:30 AM
| Days | Morning Hours |
|---|---|
| T/Th or M/W | 2 mornings/wk |
| Either class + Friday | 3 mornings/wk |
| Both + Friday (M–F) | 5 mornings/wk |
4's Preschool
4+ by first day of school8:30–11:30 AM
| Days | Morning Hours |
|---|---|
| T/Th | 2 mornings/wk |
| M/W/F | 3 mornings/wk |
| M–F | 5 mornings/wk |
Kindergarten Prep
5 by November 30th8:00 AM–12:00 PM
| Days | Morning Hours |
|---|---|
| T/Th | 2 mornings/wk |
| M/W/F | 3 mornings/wk |
| M–F | 5 mornings/wk |
Kindergarten
5 by September 30th8:00 AM–12:00 PM
| Days | Morning Hours |
|---|---|
| M–F | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM |
Financial Assistance Available Spark Academy proudly accepts Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding for all core programs. Eligible families may qualify for assistance with preschool costs. Learn More About CCAP
Help with preschool costs
Financial Assistance & Payment Options
Yes! Spark Academy accepts the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for all core programs, helping eligible families access financial assistance toward the cost of preschool.
Learn more about CCAP and financial assistanceDoes Spark Academy accept CCAP?
Yes! Spark Academy accepts the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for all core programs. CCAP helps eligible Illinois families with qualifying child care expenses. Contact us to learn more about using CCAP at Spark Academy.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Which Spark Academy programs accept CCAP?
All Spark Academy core programs accept CCAP. Eligibility and coverage depend on the family’s approved assistance and applicable program requirements. Our team can help you understand the next steps for your preferred program.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
How do I know whether my family qualifies for CCAP?
Eligibility is determined through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program and may depend on factors such as household income, family circumstances, and qualifying care needs. Families should review current state eligibility requirements or contact Spark Academy for guidance.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Will CCAP pay for all of my child’s tuition?
The amount of assistance depends on your family’s approval and applicable program rules. Some families may have a required copayment or remaining tuition responsibility. Contact Spark Academy to discuss how assistance may apply to your enrollment.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Does Spark Academy offer scholarships?
Spark Academy does not currently offer additional school-funded scholarships or financial aid. However, all core programs accept Illinois CCAP funding for eligible families.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Does Spark Academy offer payment plans?
Core program tuition is billed over 10 months. Discovery Station is billed separately by semester and offers payment plans upon request. Contact us to discuss the payment arrangements available for your program.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Can I enroll while applying for CCAP?
Please contact Spark Academy to discuss enrollment timing and the CCAP application process. Our team can explain the school’s enrollment requirements and help you understand what information may be needed.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
Who should I contact for help?
Contact Spark Academy for school-specific questions about CCAP acceptance, tuition, and enrollment. Visit the official Illinois CCAP resource for current eligibility requirements, application information, and help from your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency.
Contact Spark Academy or learn more about CCAP and financial assistance.
The Purposeful Play Framework
Play with a purpose.
Built on Experience Early Learning and Dr. Michelle Peterson's research, each day combines academic play, child-led discovery, enrichment, movement, and time together.
Five components of the framework
- Experience Early Learning Foundation
- Whole-child curriculum covering academic, social-emotional, physical, and creative development. Not just math and reading — the full spectrum of what young children need.
- Individual Assessment System
- Formal assessment tools identify where each child is developmentally. Teachers build custom learning paths for each student, not for the class as a whole.
- Daily Structure
- A consistent daily rhythm: Academic Play (1.5–2.5 hours) + Developmental Playroom (30 min) + Daily Enrichment (30 min) + Outdoor Play (15 min) + Snack & Bathroom (15 min).
- Enrichment Rotation
- Five daily enrichments built into every program: Spanish (Monday), STEM (Tuesday), Art (Wednesday), Communication (Thursday), Music & Movement (Friday).
- Purposeful Play Philosophy
- Activities are designed to feel like play while building specific developmental skills. Play is the vehicle. Purpose is the engine.
The daily rhythm
- Academic Play1.5–2.5 hours
- Teacher-guided, purposeful play activities aligned with curriculum themes and each child's individualized learning goals. This is the core of the Purposeful Play Framework. Duration is 1.5 hours for 3's and 4's programs; 2.5 hours for Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten.
- Developmental Playroom30 minutes
- Student-led exploration in the monthly-rotating Developmental Playroom. Children direct their own play while teachers support and observe.
- Daily Enrichment30 minutes
- Rotating daily enrichment: Spanish (Mon), STEM (Tue), Art (Wed), Communication (Thu), Music & Movement (Fri).
- Outdoor Play15 minutes
- Active physical play on the dedicated, age-appropriate outdoor area. Gross motor development and unstructured movement.
- Snack & Bathroom Break15 minutes
- A calm transition that builds independence, self-care routines, and social skills.
The Developmental Playroom and nine themes
The Developmental Playroom is a dedicated space, separate from the main classroom, that transforms completely every month to align with curriculum themes. It is the one space at Spark where children lead the play entirely — teachers support, encourage, and ensure safety, but do not direct the activity. Children choose how to explore, what to build, who to collaborate with, and how to solve the problems they encounter. Pre-academic skills are intentionally embedded into every monthly setup.
Throughout the school year, Spark students explore nine immersive themes that transform the classroom and Developmental Playroom: All About Me · Weather and Seasons · Explore The Rainforest · Ice Castle · DinoLand · Global Passport · Space and Sky · Ocean Dive · Garden Treasures.
Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.
An educator who knows the early years.
Founder, researcher, and educational leader. Dr. Michelle Peterson brings more than 20 years in education to the everyday life of Spark.
Professional background and credentials
Dr. Michelle Peterson is the founder and executive director of Spark Academy. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in PK–12 Educational Administration from Illinois State University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Bradley University, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin. She holds four Illinois teaching and administrative certifications, including the Superintendent Certificate, Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) Certificate, and Type 75 Administrative Certificate.
Dr. Michelle Peterson's doctoral research at Illinois State University focused on peer engagement strategies for children with autism in inclusive preschool settings, using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) frameworks. Before founding Spark Academy, she served as assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary in Morton for 10 years, where she led PBIS implementation, school improvement planning, and special education programming. Her career spans more than 20 years in education, from kindergarten classroom teaching in Texas to doctoral-level research and school leadership.
She is the only doctoral-level early childhood education researcher operating a preschool in Central Illinois.
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Illinois State University — PK–12 Educational Administration and Foundations
- Master of Science
- Bradley University — Educational Administration
- Bachelor of Science
- The University of Texas at Austin — Applied Learning and Development
- IL Superintendent Certificate
- State of Illinois
- IL CSBO Certificate
- State of Illinois
- IL Type 75 Administrative Certificate
- State of Illinois
- TX Professional Educator License (Early Childhood–4th)
- State of Texas
Your next step
Begin with a visit.
Bring your child, meet the team, and see the classrooms. We'll talk through program fit and help you prepare for the first day.
The six steps to enrollment
-
Confirm Your Child's Eligibility
Verify that your child meets the age and potty-training requirements for the appropriate program. 3's Preschool welcomes children after they turn three, including midyear, when places are available. 4's Preschool requires age 4 by the first day. Kindergarten Prep requires age 5 by November 30th. Kindergarten requires age 5 by September 30th. Fresh 3's Fridays accepts children beginning on the day they turn three (rolling enrollment). All programs require potty training.
-
Schedule a Tour
Contact Spark Academy to schedule your family's visit. Tours can be booked online at sparkacademymorton.com/schedule-a-tour/ or by calling 309-291-3292. Families are encouraged to bring their child so they can experience the classroom environment firsthand.
-
Visit Spark Academy
During the tour, you will see the classrooms, the Developmental Playroom, and the outdoor play area. You will meet Dr. Michelle Peterson and the teaching staff. This is your opportunity to ask questions about your child's specific needs, the daily schedule, and the Purposeful Play Framework.
-
Complete Enrollment Paperwork
To finalize enrollment, families must complete Brightwheel registration and provide a certified birth certificate and a completed State of Illinois physical form (kindergarten physical required for all school-age children). Religious exemptions for immunizations are accepted.
-
Submit Your Enrollment Deposit
A non-refundable enrollment deposit holds your child's spot in their classroom, even when combining classes.
-
Prepare for the First Day
Make the transition exciting! Read books about starting school, talk positively about their new classroom and teachers, and let your child pick out their own backpack and water bottle. A little preparation at home goes a long way toward a confident first day.
Communities and approximate drive times
- Morton
- Local — 1 to 5 minutes
- East Peoria
- 10–15 minutes
- Germantown Hills
- 10–15 minutes
- Tremont
- 10–15 minutes
- Washington
- 10–15 minutes
- Metamora
- 15–20 minutes
- Pekin
- 15–20 minutes
- Peoria
- 15–20 minutes
- Dunlap
- 20–25 minutes
- Bloomington/Normal
- 30–35 minutes
Travel time depends on your starting point and traffic. Explore the communities we serve.
A little more detail
Frequently asked questions.
Find more practical answers about enrollment, daily life, and programs in our complete FAQ.
What is Spark Academy?
Spark Academy is a premium, play-based preschool in Morton, Illinois, founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. — a Doctor of Education from Illinois State University. Spark serves children ages 3 through 5 across four core programs and uses the Purposeful Play Framework — a proprietary curriculum integrating individualized assessment, purposeful play, and daily enrichment.
What ages does Spark Academy serve?
Spark Academy serves children ages 3 through 5. Programs include 3's Preschool (age 3+), 4's Preschool (age 4+), Kindergarten Prep (age 5 by November 30th), and Kindergarten (age 5 by September 30th). Fresh 3's Fridays accepts children beginning on the day they turn three through rolling birthday enrollment.
What is included in Spark Academy tuition?
All Spark Academy tuition is all-inclusive — covering curriculum, school supplies, art materials, daily enrichment, and snacks with no supply lists or hidden fees. Spark also accepts Illinois CCAP financial assistance for all core programs. Explore our individual program pages for full schedule and enrollment details.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Spark Academy?
Spark Academy maintains a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio across all programs. Classes are capped at 10–12 students maximum, with four sections total.
What is the Purposeful Play Framework?
The Purposeful Play Framework is Spark Academy's proprietary, research-driven curriculum developed by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. It is built on the Experience Early Learning whole-child curriculum and integrates individualized developmental assessment, purposeful play, daily enrichment in five subjects (Spanish, STEM, Art, Communication, Music & Movement), and the monthly-rotating Developmental Playroom. Learn more about the framework
Who founded Spark Academy?
Spark Academy was founded in 2023 by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., a Doctor of Education from Illinois State University. Dr. Michelle Peterson's doctoral research focused on peer engagement strategies for young children in inclusive preschool settings. She is the only doctoral-level early childhood education researcher operating a preschool in Central Illinois. Before founding Spark, she served as assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary in Morton for 10 years.
Is Spark Academy licensed?
Yes. Spark Academy is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and operates in full compliance with all state licensing requirements, fire code regulations, and safe schools standards. A CPR and first aid certified staff member is on-site at all times.
Where is Spark Academy located?
Spark Academy is located at 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, Illinois 61550. The school serves families from Morton, Peoria, Washington, East Peoria, Germantown Hills, Metamora, and surrounding Central Illinois communities.
How do I schedule a tour of Spark Academy?
To schedule a tour, complete the tour request form at sparkacademymorton.com/schedule-a-tour/ or call 309-291-3292. Tours are conducted by Dr. Michelle Peterson or a senior staff member. Families are encouraged to bring their child so they can experience the environment firsthand.
Does Spark Academy offer kindergarten?
Yes. Spark Academy offers a full kindergarten program for children age 5 by September 30th. Kindergarten runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The program features 2.5 hours of Academic Play, the Developmental Playroom, and daily enrichment — with a 5:1 ratio that most public school kindergartens cannot match.
Is Spark Academy a daycare?
No — Spark Academy is a play-based preschool, not a daycare. (Illinois licenses all early childhood programs, including preschools, through DCFS’s day care licensing category — that’s a paperwork classification, not what Spark is.) The difference matters: a daycare’s purpose is safe supervision; Spark’s curriculum is designed by a doctoral researcher, taught by degreed and credentialed teachers, and structured around the Purposeful Play Framework. Children receive daily enrichment in five subjects, individualized developmental assessment, and a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This is intentional education, not babysitting.
What enrichment programs does Spark Academy offer?
Every Spark Academy program includes 30 minutes of daily enrichment as core programming — not as an after-school extra. The rotation is: Spanish (Monday), STEM (Tuesday), Art (Wednesday), Communication (Thursday), and Music & Movement (Friday). Spark also operates Camp Play (a summer program for ages 3–13), Discovery Station (homeschool enrichment for ages 5–13), and After-School Enrichment Programs (open to all school-age children).
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend Spark Academy?
Yes. All Spark Academy programs require that children are potty trained before enrollment. This includes Fresh 3's Fridays, 3's Preschool, 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, and Kindergarten.
Let's talk
What would you like to know?
Ask us directly. We respond personally to every question.
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Dr. Michelle Peterson will reply personally by email. She responds on weekdays, usually the same day.
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