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
Age 3Their very first classroom, on their terms
3's Preschool
Age 3Building confidence through every discovery
4's Preschool
Age 4Ready for more — and building toward kindergarten
Kindergarten Prep
Age 5 by Nov 30The bridge year that sets the foundation
Kindergarten
Age 5 by Sep 30Small class. Big beginning.
Beyond the Classroom
Enrichment, activities, and summer programming for ages 3–11.
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 N Morton Ave 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.
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.
Your information is private. We'll only use it to answer your question.