Purposeful Play. Exceptional Beginnings.
Where Curious Minds Become
Confident Learners
The only preschool in Central Illinois founded and led by a doctoral researcher in early childhood education.
Your child's first school experience shapes everything that follows — how they see themselves as learners, how they build friendships, how they walk into kindergarten. At Spark Academy, every part of their day is designed with that in mind.
Founded by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., Spark Academy brings doctoral-level expertise to a warm, homelike setting where your child is known by name and nurtured by design. Small class sizes, a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and all-inclusive tuition — everything from curriculum to daily snacks — mean you can focus on what matters most: watching your child thrive.
A Program Designed for Every Stage
From first friendships in our 3's program to kindergarten readiness and beyond — your child grows with Spark every step of the way.
Fresh 3's Fridays
Their very first classroom, on their terms
- Schedule
- Fridays, 8:30–11:30 AM
- Tuition
- $100/month
3's Preschool
Building confidence through every discovery
- Ages
- Must be 3 by first day of school
- Schedule
- T/Th or M/W, 8:30–11:30 AM
- Starting At
- $350/month
4's Preschool
Ready for more — and building toward kindergarten
- Ages
- Must be 4 by first day of school
- Schedule
- 2, 3, or 5 day options, 8:30–11:30 AM
- Starting At
- $350/month
Kindergarten Prep
The bridge year that sets the foundation
- Ages
- Must be 5 by November 30th
- Schedule
- 2, 3, or 5 day options, 8:00–12:00 PM
- Starting At
- $400/month
Kindergarten
Small class. Big beginning.
- Ages
- Must be 5 by September 30th
- Schedule
- M–F, 8:00–12:00 PM
- Tuition
- $700/month
Not sure which program is right for your child? We'd love to help you find the perfect fit.
More Ways to Spark
Spark Academy offers enrichment, activities, and summer programming for children beyond our core preschool — from homeschool families to school-age kids looking for something new.
Ages 5–11
Discovery Station
Drop-off enrichment classes designed for homeschool families. Spanish, STEM, theater, cooking, and more — taught by credentialed instructors in small groups.
Explore Discovery Station →Ages 5–11
After-School Enrichment
Semester-based activity classes for any school-age child. Theater, cooking, games, art, and more. One hour a week of something they can't get anywhere else.
See What's Running Now →Ages 3–11
Camp Play
Eight weeks of science, art, cooking, LEGOs, dramatic play, and outdoor adventures in small groups led by Spark's credentialed team.
Plan Your Child's Summer →Every Moment Is Designed
with Purpose
At Spark, play isn't recess. It's the research-proven method through which young children build the neural pathways for language, problem-solving, and self-regulation.
The Purposeful Play Framework — developed by Dr. Michelle Peterson and built on the Experience Early Learning curriculum — structures every part of your child's day around intentional, play-based learning experiences.
And if you ever want to see it for yourself — just come in. Spark families don't wait in the parking lot at pickup. They walk into the classroom, talk to their child's teacher, and see the day's work still on the table.
Learn more about our approach →
Led by a Researcher.
Built by a Mother.
Dr. Michelle Peterson didn't just study early childhood education — she built a school around what the research says works.
With a doctorate in education from Illinois State University, 20 years in the classroom and school administration, and four Illinois teaching certifications, Dr. Peterson founded Spark Academy to close the gap between what research proves about how young children learn and what most preschools actually do.
When you visit Spark, you won't find worksheets from 1987. You'll find a learning environment that's been reimagined from the ground up — where every enrichment, every classroom setup, and every interaction is grounded in evidence and delivered with care.
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 North Morton Avenue in Morton, IL — a warm, intentionally designed space that feels more like a second home than a school.
Serving families from Morton, Washington, East Peoria, Peoria, Germantown Hills, and across Central Illinois. Small class sizes, a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a building designed for young learners make Spark a place where your child will feel safe, known, and excited to return.
Google Maps embed or exterior photo coming soon.
See What a Day at Spark Looks Like
The best way to experience Spark is in person. Schedule a tour and see the classrooms, meet Dr. Peterson, and find out how your child's learning path would be designed around who they are.
Prefer to call? Reach us at 309-291-3292.
We're likely in the classroom, but leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.
Have a Question?
Thinking about Spark but not quite ready to visit? Send us your question and we'll get back to you personally.