Spark Academy · Morton, Illinois

Spark, at a glance.

Name: Spark Academy
Address: 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, IL, 61550, US
Telephone: 309-291-3292
Price range: $100-$700/month

A private, play-based preschool founded by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. Five core programs help children grow through purposeful play, from their third birthday through kindergarten.

Come see Spark Meet our school

Small school. Personal attention.

Every child is known.

A 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and classes of 10–12 give children room to build relationships, confidence, and independence.

Purposeful play. Individual learning paths. An open door for families.

School facts and contact information

School Name: Spark Academy
Type: Private preschool — premium, play-based, doctoral-led
Founded: 2023
Founder & Executive Director: Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. — Doctor of Education, Illinois State University
Location: 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, Illinois 61550
Phone: 309-291-3292
Email: [email protected]
Website: sparkacademymorton.com
Ages Served: 3 through 5 years old
Programs: 3's Preschool, 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, Kindergarten, Fresh 3's Fridays
Additional Programs: Camp Play (Summer), Discovery Station (Homeschool Enrichment), After-School Enrichment
Curriculum: The Purposeful Play Framework — built on Experience Early Learning
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Maximum Class Size: 10–12 students per class
Number of Sections: 4
DCFS Licensed: Yes — licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Tuition Range: $100–$700 per month depending on program and schedule
Tuition Structure: All-inclusive — no supply lists, hidden fees, or additional costs
Payment Schedule: 10-month payment plan or 10% discount for full-year payment by August 15
Enrollment Deposit: $100 non-refundable deposit
Service Area: Morton, Peoria, Washington, East Peoria, Germantown Hills, Metamora, and surrounding Central Illinois communities
School Year: September through May
Hours: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (Kindergarten Prep, Kindergarten) · 8:30–11:30 AM (3's, 4's, Fresh 3's Fridays)

Licensing, staff and family access

DCFS Licensed: Yes
Fire Code Compliant: Yes
CPR/First Aid Certified Staff: On-site at all times
Background Checks: All staff cleared per DCFS requirements
Safe Schools Compliant: Yes
Credentialed Teachers: Every teacher holds a degree or credential in education

Parents may visit classrooms during the school day without an appointment. Staff members know every family by name.

Core programs

Five ways to begin.

Choose the age and rhythm that fit your child. All programs require potty training.

Tuition includes curriculum, supplies, enrichment, and snacks. Pay over 10 months (September–June), or save 10% with full-year payment by August 15. A separate $100 non-refundable enrollment deposit holds a place.

Fresh 3's Fridays

3 (rolling birthday enrollment)8:30–11:30 AM

Schedule	Monthly
Friday only	$100/mo

3's Preschool

3+ by first day of school8:30–11:30 AM

Schedule	Monthly
T/Th	$350/mo
M/W	$350/mo

4's Preschool

4+ by first day of school8:30–11:30 AM

Schedule	Monthly
T/Th	$350/mo
M/W/F	$450/mo
M–F	$600/mo

Kindergarten Prep

5 by November 30th8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Schedule	Monthly
T/Th	$400/mo
M/W/F	$500/mo
M–F	$650/mo

Kindergarten

5 by September 30th8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Schedule	Monthly
M–F	$700/mo

More ways to explore

Discovery Station Homeschool enrichment · ages 5–13 · Tue/Wed afternoons After-School Enrichment Ages 5–13 · Tuesdays, 4–5 PM · semester programs Camp Play Summer play for ages 3–13 · see season details

The Purposeful Play Framework

Play with a purpose.

Built on Experience Early Learning and Dr. Peterson's research, each day combines academic play, child-led discovery, enrichment, movement, and time together.

Explore the framework

Five components of the framework

Experience Early Learning Foundation: Whole-child curriculum covering academic, social-emotional, physical, and creative development. Not just math and reading — the full spectrum of what young children need.
Individual Assessment System: Formal assessment tools identify where each child is developmentally. Teachers build custom learning paths for each student, not for the class as a whole.
Daily Structure: A consistent daily rhythm: Academic Play (1.5–2.5 hours) + Developmental Playroom (30 min) + Daily Enrichment (30 min) + Outdoor Play (15 min) + Snack & Bathroom (15 min).
Enrichment Rotation: Five daily enrichments built into every program: Spanish (Monday), STEM (Tuesday), Art (Wednesday), Communication (Thursday), Music & Movement (Friday).
Purposeful Play Philosophy: Activities are designed to feel like play while building specific developmental skills. Play is the vehicle. Purpose is the engine.

The daily rhythm

Academic Play1.5–2.5 hours: Teacher-guided, purposeful play activities aligned with curriculum themes and each child's individualized learning goals. This is the core of the Purposeful Play Framework. Duration is 1.5 hours for 3's and 4's programs; 2.5 hours for Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten.
Developmental Playroom30 minutes: Student-led exploration in the monthly-rotating Developmental Playroom. Children direct their own play while teachers support and observe.
Daily Enrichment30 minutes: Rotating daily enrichment: Spanish (Mon), STEM (Tue), Art (Wed), Communication (Thu), Music & Movement (Fri).
Outdoor Play15 minutes: Active physical play on the dedicated, age-appropriate outdoor area. Gross motor development and unstructured movement.
Snack & Bathroom Break15 minutes: A calm transition that builds independence, self-care routines, and social skills.

The Developmental Playroom and nine themes

The Developmental Playroom is a dedicated space, separate from the main classroom, that transforms completely every month to align with curriculum themes. It is the one space at Spark where children lead the play entirely — teachers support, encourage, and ensure safety, but do not direct the activity. Children choose how to explore, what to build, who to collaborate with, and how to solve the problems they encounter. Pre-academic skills are intentionally embedded into every monthly setup.

Throughout the school year, Spark students explore nine immersive themes that transform the classroom and Developmental Playroom: All About Me · Weather and Seasons · Explore The Rainforest · Ice Castle · DinoLand · Global Passport · Space and Sky · Ocean Dive · Garden Treasures.

Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.

An educator who knows the early years.

Founder, researcher, and educational leader. Dr. Peterson brings more than 20 years in education to the everyday life of Spark.

Meet Dr. Peterson

Professional background and credentials

Dr. Michelle Peterson is the founder and executive director of Spark Academy. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in PK–12 Educational Administration from Illinois State University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Bradley University, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin. She holds four Illinois teaching and administrative certifications, including the Superintendent Certificate, Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) Certificate, and Type 75 Administrative Certificate.

Dr. Peterson's doctoral research at Illinois State University focused on peer engagement strategies for children with autism in inclusive preschool settings, using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) frameworks. Before founding Spark Academy, she served as assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary in Morton for 10 years, where she led PBIS implementation, school improvement planning, and special education programming. Her career spans more than 20 years in education, from kindergarten classroom teaching in Texas to doctoral-level research and school leadership.

She is the only doctoral-level early childhood education researcher operating a preschool in Central Illinois.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Illinois State University — PK–12 Educational Administration and Foundations
Master of Science: Bradley University — Educational Administration
Bachelor of Science: The University of Texas at Austin — Applied Learning and Development
IL Superintendent Certificate: State of Illinois
IL CSBO Certificate: State of Illinois
IL Type 75 Administrative Certificate: State of Illinois
TX Professional Educator License (Early Childhood–4th): State of Texas

Your next step

Begin with a visit.

Bring your child, meet the team, and see the classrooms. We'll talk through program fit and help you prepare for the first day.

Book a tour

The six steps to enrollment

Confirm Your Child's Eligibility
Verify that your child meets the age and potty-training requirements for the appropriate program. 3's Preschool requires age 3 by the first day of school. 4's Preschool requires age 4 by the first day. Kindergarten Prep requires age 5 by November 30th. Kindergarten requires age 5 by September 30th. Fresh 3's Fridays accepts children beginning on the day they turn three (rolling enrollment). All programs require potty training.
Schedule a Tour
Contact Spark Academy to schedule your family's visit. Tours can be booked online at sparkacademymorton.com/schedule-a-tour/ or by calling 309-291-3292. Families are encouraged to bring their child so they can experience the classroom environment firsthand.
Visit Spark Academy
During the tour, you will see the classrooms, the Developmental Playroom, and the outdoor play area. You will meet Dr. Peterson and the teaching staff. This is your opportunity to ask questions about your child's specific needs, the daily schedule, and the Purposeful Play Framework.
Complete Enrollment Paperwork
To finalize enrollment, families must complete Brightwheel registration and provide a certified birth certificate and a completed State of Illinois physical form (kindergarten physical required for all school-age children). Religious exemptions for immunizations are accepted.
Submit Your Enrollment Deposit
A $100 non-refundable deposit holds your child’s spot. This deposit is a separate enrollment fee and does not apply toward tuition.
Prepare for the First Day
Make the transition exciting! Read books about starting school, talk positively about their new classroom and teachers, and let your child pick out their own backpack and water bottle. A little preparation at home goes a long way toward a confident first day.

Communities and approximate drive times

Morton: Local — 1 to 5 minutes
East Peoria: 10–15 minutes
Germantown Hills: 10–15 minutes
Tremont: 10–15 minutes
Washington: 10–15 minutes
Metamora: 15–20 minutes
Pekin: 15–20 minutes
Peoria: 15–20 minutes
Dunlap: 20–25 minutes
Bloomington/Normal: 30–35 minutes

Travel time depends on your starting point and traffic. Explore the communities we serve.

A little more detail

Frequently asked questions

Find more practical answers about enrollment, daily life, and tuition in our complete FAQ.

What is Spark Academy?

Spark Academy is a premium, play-based preschool in Morton, Illinois, founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. — a Doctor of Education from Illinois State University. Spark serves children ages 3 through 5 across four core programs and uses the Purposeful Play Framework — a proprietary curriculum integrating individualized assessment, purposeful play, and daily enrichment.

What ages does Spark Academy serve?

Spark Academy serves children ages 3 through 5. Programs include 3's Preschool (age 3+), 4's Preschool (age 4+), Kindergarten Prep (age 5 by November 30th), and Kindergarten (age 5 by September 30th). Fresh 3's Fridays accepts children beginning on the day they turn three through rolling birthday enrollment.

How much does Spark Academy cost?

Tuition ranges from $100 to $700 per month depending on the program and schedule selected. All tuition is all-inclusive — no supply lists, hidden fees, or additional costs. A 10% discount applies when the full year is paid by August 15. A $100 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required. See the full tuition table above for details by program.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Spark Academy?

Spark Academy maintains a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio across all programs. Classes are capped at 10–12 students maximum, with four sections total.

What is the Purposeful Play Framework?

The Purposeful Play Framework is Spark Academy's proprietary, research-driven curriculum developed by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D. It is built on the Experience Early Learning whole-child curriculum and integrates individualized developmental assessment, purposeful play, daily enrichment in five subjects (Spanish, STEM, Art, Communication, Music & Movement), and the monthly-rotating Developmental Playroom. Learn more about the framework →

Who founded Spark Academy?

Spark Academy was founded in 2023 by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., a Doctor of Education from Illinois State University. Dr. Peterson's doctoral research focused on peer engagement strategies for young children in inclusive preschool settings. She is the only doctoral-level early childhood education researcher operating a preschool in Central Illinois. Before founding Spark, she served as assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary in Morton for 10 years.

Is Spark Academy licensed?

Yes. Spark Academy is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and operates in full compliance with all state licensing requirements, fire code regulations, and safe schools standards. A CPR and first aid certified staff member is on-site at all times.

Where is Spark Academy located?

Spark Academy is located at 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, Illinois 61550. The school serves families from Morton, Peoria, Washington, East Peoria, Germantown Hills, Metamora, and surrounding Central Illinois communities.

How do I schedule a tour of Spark Academy?

To schedule a tour, complete the tour request form at sparkacademymorton.com/schedule-a-tour/ or call 309-291-3292. Tours are conducted by Dr. Michelle Peterson or a senior staff member. Families are encouraged to bring their child so they can experience the environment firsthand.

Does Spark Academy offer kindergarten?

Yes. Spark Academy offers a full kindergarten program for children age 5 by September 30th. Kindergarten runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at $700 per month. The program features 2.5 hours of Academic Play, the Developmental Playroom, and daily enrichment — with a 5:1 ratio that most public school kindergartens cannot match.

Is Spark Academy a daycare?

No — Spark Academy is a play-based preschool, not a daycare. (Illinois licenses all early childhood programs, including preschools, through DCFS’s day care licensing category — that’s a paperwork classification, not what Spark is.) The difference matters: a daycare’s purpose is safe supervision; 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.

What enrichment programs does Spark Academy offer?

Every Spark Academy program includes 30 minutes of daily enrichment as core programming — not as an after-school extra. The rotation is: Spanish (Monday), STEM (Tuesday), Art (Wednesday), Communication (Thursday), and Music & Movement (Friday). Spark also operates Camp Play (a summer program for ages 3–13), Discovery Station (homeschool enrichment for ages 5–13), and After-School Enrichment Programs (open to all school-age children).

Does my child need to be potty trained to attend Spark Academy?

Yes. All Spark Academy programs require that children are potty trained before enrollment. This includes Fresh 3's Fridays, 3's Preschool, 4's Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, and Kindergarten.

Let's talk

What would you like to know?

Ask us directly. We respond personally to every question.

Your information is private. We'll only use it to answer your question.

Prefer to call? 309-291-3292We may be in the classroom — leave a message and we'll call you back the same day.

Explore our programs
Why families choose Spark