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Spark Academy · Morton, Illinois

A new town.
A place to belong.

Moving to Morton? Give your child a warm beginning with morning preschool, purposeful play, and new friendships. You can start the conversation before you arrive.

Ask about openings Compare morning programs
Ages 3 through Kindergarten 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio Midyear & Future Starts
Dr. Michelle Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Spark Academy
Moving during the school year? Tell us your timing. Morton, IL
Preschool Mornings
8:30⁠–⁠11:30 AMFresh 3's Fridays, 3's Preschool & 4's Preschool
Prep & Kindergarten
8:00 AM⁠–⁠12:00 PMKindergarten Prep & Private Kindergarten · 5:1 ratio
Your Move
Plan before you arriveOpenings and start dates vary by program

Welcoming New Families

Little routines. Familiar faces.

Stories, building, art, and time to play together give your child ways to connect in a new community. Small classes help our team get to know them.

Founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., Spark brings her doctoral research in early childhood education into your child's everyday learning.

  • Small classes. A 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio so teachers get to know your child well.
  • Purposeful play. Stories, building, art, and a Developmental Playroom that changes each month.
  • Start before you move. Reach out while you're planning your move to talk through timing and fit.
Meet Dr. Michelle Peterson →
A small step into a welcoming morning A softly arched doorway, a small backpack and a pair of shoes suggest the familiar rituals of starting preschool.
1989 N Morton Ave · Morton, IL

Moving during the school year? Tell us your timing. Openings and start dates vary by program, and we take names for future starts year-round.

Morning Programs

Find their morning in Morton.

Preschool and kindergarten, with time for the rest of your day. Start with your child's age, then choose the regular morning schedule that fits your family.

Plan Around Your Child's Start

  • Their morning is included: Every morning includes teachers, curriculum, daily enrichment, supplies, art materials, and daily snacks.
  • Readiness & midyear starts: All children must be fully potty trained. Children moving midyear can join Kindergarten if they met the age-five-by-September-30 cutoff and a place is available.
  • Future starts: We also take names for future starts year-round; ask about the program and year you have in mind.

Financial Assistance Available Spark Academy proudly accepts Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding for all core programs. Learn More About CCAP

Ages 3 through Kindergarten

Fresh 3's Fridays Start when your child turns 3 · Friday · 8:30⁠–⁠11:30 AM
1 morning/wk
3's Preschool Start when your child turns 3 · Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu · 8:30⁠–⁠11:30 AM Combine classes for two, three or five mornings, subject to availability.
2–5 mornings
4's Preschool Age 4 by the first day of school · Tue/Thu, Mon/Wed/Fri or Mon–Fri · 8:30⁠–⁠11:30 AM
2, 3 or 5 mornings
Kindergarten Prep Age 5 by November 30 · Tue/Thu, Mon/Wed/Fri or Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM⁠–⁠12:00 PM
2, 3 or 5 mornings
Kindergarten Age 5 by September 30 · Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM⁠–⁠12:00 PM
Mon–Fri

All children must be fully potty trained before starting. These are morning school programs without full-day or extended care.

Not sure which program fits? Let's talk →

Relocation Questions

Planning your move to Morton.

Helpful answers for families coordinating a move, checking program fit, or planning a midyear or future start.

Do we need a settled moving date before reaching out?
No. You can start the conversation before your move date is finalized. Share your child's age, the month you hope to start, and the program you're considering, and we'll talk through options and current openings.
Can my child start during the school year after we move?
Yes, when a place is available. Fresh 3's Fridays and 3's Preschool welcome children once they turn three and are fully potty trained. Children moving midyear can also join 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, or Kindergarten if they meet the program's age cutoff and a spot is open.
Can we tour Spark Academy during a house-hunting visit to Morton?
Absolutely. If you're visiting Morton, request a classroom tour at 1989 N Morton Ave. Tours take about 30 minutes, your child is welcome to join, and there is no pressure to enroll.
What does my child need before their first day?
All children must be fully potty trained before starting. Once a place and start date are confirmed, we'll guide you through the enrollment paperwork and everything your child needs for a warm first morning.

Ask Us Anything

Let's make room for your questions.

Tell us about your move and the preschool morning you have in mind. We'll help you explore what's possible for your child. An inquiry starts a conversation; it doesn't reserve a place.

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

Coming to Morton Soon?

One less unknown before the move.

You don't need a settled moving date to ask a question. If you're visiting Morton, come explore our classrooms at 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, IL 61550.

✓ About 30 minutes ✓ Bring your child ✓ No pressure to enroll
Schedule a Tour

See where your child's day begins → Prefer to call? 309-291-3292 · We may be in the classroom — leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.

  1. Tell us your plans.

    Share your child's age, the month you hope to start, and the program you're considering. It's fine if you're still deciding.

  2. Talk through the options.

    We'll discuss program fit, current openings, and next steps. If you're visiting Morton, you can also request a classroom tour.

  3. Prepare for their first day.

    Once a place and start date are confirmed, we'll guide you through the enrollment paperwork and what your child needs to begin.

Have a question before you move? Ask us →