Every Question You Have About Your Child's Next Chapter — Answered

Spark Academy serves children ages 3 through kindergarten. Your child must be the required age by their first day of school for the program they're entering: age 3 for the 3's Preschool, age 4 for the 4's Preschool, age 5 by November 30th for Kindergarten Prep, and age 5 by September 30th for Kindergarten. Fresh 3's Fridays uses rolling birthday enrollment — your child can start on the Friday after they turn three, even mid-year.

Yes. All students at Spark Academy — across every program — must be fully potty trained before their first day. If your child is still working on potty training, we recommend waiting until they've achieved independence before enrolling. If your child has a medical diagnosis that impacts toileting, please reach out and discuss options with Dr. Peterson.

Enrollment starts with a tour. Every family visits Spark before their child attends — it's how we meet you, answer your questions, and make sure the fit is right for your family. After your tour, you'll complete enrollment paperwork and submit a $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your child's spot. From there, we'll prepare you for your child's first day.

Yes, subject to availability. Fresh 3's Fridays is designed specifically for rolling mid-year enrollment — your child can begin on their third birthday. For the 3's, 4's, Kindergarten Prep, and Kindergarten programs, mid-year enrollment is welcome when space is available. Contact us and we'll walk you through the timing.

Enrollment is ongoing. Preschool spots open in February for the following fall. Summer Camp enrollment starts on March 1st. Discovery Station/Tuesday Enrichment enrollment opens April 1st for Fall and November 1st for Spring.

Your child's spot is secured once their student file is complete. To finish enrollment, families need to provide three things: Brightwheel registration, a certified birth certificate, and a completed State of Illinois physical form. School-age children will need a kindergarten physical. Religious exemptions for immunizations are accepted.

Preschool runs the first day after Labor Day through the second full week of May. We follow the Morton 709 school calendar for major holiday breaks.

Every program follows a structured daily schedule designed by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.:

The 3's and 4's programs run from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with an expanded 2.5-hour Academic Play block.

Both — and that's by design. The Purposeful Play Framework is Spark's proprietary curriculum approach, built on the Experience Early Learning whole-child model and designed by Dr. Peterson drawing on her doctoral research at Illinois State University. Every activity is chosen because the research says it builds something specific in your child's development. This isn't free play and it isn't worksheets — it's the deliberate middle ground that produces the strongest outcomes. Children who complete Spark's programs walk into kindergarten ready academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Developmental Playroom is a dedicated play space exclusive to Spark Academy. It transforms completely every month around a new theme — from rainforest explorations to ice castles to space adventures. The playroom is student-driven: children choose their own activities, direct their own play, and build independence in an environment designed to spark curiosity and creative problem-solving. No other preschool in the area offers anything like it.

Every child in every program receives daily enrichment in a rotating schedule: Spanish on Monday, STEM on Tuesday, Art on Wednesday, Communication on Thursday, and Music & Movement on Friday. These aren't extras or occasional specials — they're core programming built into every schedule, covered by tuition, and taught daily. The neural pathways built through early foreign language exposure, hands-on science, and music are some of the most powerful developmental investments during the preschool years.

Dr. Peterson's individualized assessment system tracks each child's development across multiple domains throughout the year — not just at year-end. Teachers use these assessments to calibrate your child's learning path to where they actually are, not where a curriculum guide says they should be. You'll have ongoing communication with your child's teachers and a clear picture of their growth at every stage.

No. At Spark Academy, we believe children have plenty of screen time at home, so our classrooms are screen-free. The only exception is our front room TV, which we occasionally use for guided movement activities like yoga and brain breaks, or to bring the world into our classroom through virtual experiences — like a flyover of the Great Wall of China — that we can't recreate in person.

We get outside as much as possible! On days when the weather doesn't cooperate, we move our physical activities indoors — think yoga, movement games, and kid-friendly exercises in our front room. No matter what, your child stays active and moving throughout the day.

Yes. Spark Academy is fully licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Licensing means the facility, staff qualifications, safety protocols, and child-to-staff ratios meet or exceed state standards.

Spark Academy is a licensed daycare, but we operate as a preschool and early childhood education program — not a custodial care facility. The difference matters: 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.

Dr. Michelle Peterson holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Illinois State University, a Master of Science from Bradley University, and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas at Austin. She holds four Illinois certifications — including the Superintendent Certificate and Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) — and has 20 years of professional experience spanning classroom teaching, school administration, doctoral research, and founding Spark Academy. She is the only doctoral-level early childhood education researcher operating a preschool in Central Illinois.

Yes. Every teacher at Spark Academy holds a degree and credential in education. Spark doesn't hire people who simply like children — educators are professionally trained and mentored by Dr. Peterson in evidence-based practices. They understand child development at a professional level, and it shows in every interaction with your child.

Absolutely — and you don't need an appointment. Spark Academy has a true open-door policy. Parents are welcome to walk into the classroom, observe, talk to teachers, and be part of their child's school day at any time. Our staff knows every family by name. You'll never be asked to wait in a lobby or pick up your child at the curb. We keep our classrooms open because we want you to see what your child experiences every day.

Yes. Spark Academy ensures that at least one CPR and First Aid certified staff member is on-site at all times. Your child’s safety is never left to chance.

Yes. Every Spark Academy employee undergoes a full background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Yes. Spark Academy’s building remains fully secured during all operating hours. Exterior doors are locked at all times, and every visitor is greeted in the entryway before being allowed inside. No one enters the building without staff knowledge. A doorbell is available to ensure prompt access when our team is in other areas of the facility.