Preschool & kindergarten in Morton, Illinois
A preschool where your child feels known.
At Spark Academy, small classes and purposeful play help children build friendships, independence, and confidence. Find their place, from their third birthday through kindergarten.
Exploring for this school year or next? You're in the right place.
Founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.Her doctoral research in early childhood education shapes how your child learns here.
- Ages we welcome
- Age 3 through KindergartenRolling age-3 starts · 4's · Prep · Kindergarten
- Small class ratio
- 5:1 student-to-teacher10–14 children per class · Credentialed educators
- Morning schedules
- 1 to 5 morningsPreschool 8:30–11:30 AM
Prep & K 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Real learning, through play.
Stories, building, art, and a changing Developmental Playroom make space for curiosity, problem-solving, and new friendships.
A school you can be part of.
You can stay to help your child transition. Teachers share how their day went at pickup, and our open-door policy welcomes you into the classroom.
Compare Core Programs
Start with your child. Find their morning.
Think about their age when they'd begin. Compare the days below, including birthday cutoffs for Prep and Kindergarten. Explore each program for full curriculum and enrollment details.
Hoping to start this winter? We have remaining January 2027 seats in 3's Preschool, 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, and Kindergarten.
For your three-year-old
A first school rhythm.
Start with one morning or a fuller week. Both programs welcome children when they turn three, including during the school year.
For your four-year-old
More ideas. More independence.
Hands-on learning and a school-week rhythm that fits your family. Turning five by November 30? Compare Kindergarten Prep, too.
Turning five, or already five
Their next step, at their pace.
Another year to prepare, or the kindergarten year itself? Compare the two paths. We'll help you think it through.
All-inclusive tuition: $100–$700/month.
Core monthly tuition ranges from $100/month (Fresh 3's Fridays) and $350/month (two-morning preschool) to $550/month (four-morning 3's Preschool) and $700/month (Monday–Friday Kindergarten). Tuition covers teachers, curriculum, enrichment, supplies, art materials, and daily snacks over 10 months. Children can join now when a place is open — with monthly payments prorated just for the classes they attend — and Illinois CCAP is accepted. Grandparents, relatives, and fellow parents can also contribute toward any family's tuition or enrichment with Spark Gift Cards.
Potty training & morning hours.
All children must be fully potty trained before starting — meaning daytime underwear independence with occasional verbal reminders or help with tricky buttons. Core preschool and kindergarten classes meet in the morning (8:30–11:30 AM or 8:00 AM–12:00 PM), without full-day daycare; afternoon hours are for school-age enrichment and family tours.
“They have learned so much and experienced many enriching activities. We love the easy communication with teachers and the community Spark has built.”
How Enrollment Works
Enrollment starts with a hello.
You don't need every answer before you visit. Bring your child, your questions, and a little curiosity.
Planning further ahead? We accept names for future starts year-round, from birth. Ask about joining the list for the program and year you have in mind.
Find us at
1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, IL.
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Request a tour.
Share your name and a way to reach you. We'll follow up to arrange a time for your family.
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See their day. Talk it through.
Explore the classrooms and meet the team. Together, we'll discuss the program, schedule, and start date that fit.
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Get ready for their first day.
When you're ready, we'll guide you through enrollment and help your child feel at home.
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
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.
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