Fresh 3's Fridays
Start when your child turns 3
Friday · 8:30–11:30 AM
Ages 3 through kindergarten · Morning programs
Preschool near Pekin.
See what a small, play-based classroom could mean for your child. Explore our Morton location and morning schedules before planning a visit from Pekin.
Spark Academy · In Morton, Illinois
1989 N Morton AveMorton, IL 61550 Get directions from your address
Try the whole morning from Pekin.
Start with Pekin Public Library downtown or ICC's Pekin campus on Hanna Drive. These reference routes help you place the trip; your home address will give you a more useful travel estimate.
Downtown Pekin
Pekin Public Library
301 S Fourth Street, Pekin, IL 61554
Hanna Drive area
Illinois Central College · Pekin campus
225 Hanna Drive, Pekin, IL 61635
Check the trip at school time.
A three-hour preschool morning includes two school journeys for the adult doing drop-off and pickup. Check both before deciding whether to return to Pekin between them. A weekday practice drive can help you judge whether the routine feels comfortable.
In Google Maps, use your own starting address and choose a weekday arrival time where available. Traffic and construction can change the estimate.
- Preschool
- 8:30–11:30 AM
- Kindergarten Prep & Kindergarten
- 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
A morning that fits your child.
Start with their age, then choose the days. Each program page has the full details and tuition.
Compare all programs3's Preschool
Start when your child turns 3
Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu · 8:30–11:30 AM
Combine classes for two, three or five mornings, subject to availability.
4's Preschool
Age 4 by the first day of school
Tue/Thu, Mon/Wed/Fri or Mon–Fri · 8:30–11:30 AM
Kindergarten Prep
Age 5 by November 30
Tue/Thu, Mon/Wed/Fri or Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Kindergarten
Age 5 by September 30
Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Children must be fully potty trained before starting. These are morning school programs without full-day or extended care. We'll confirm available days and a start date with you.
Make the visit about your child.
Watch how a teacher joins their play, helps them try again and makes room for a new friendship. With a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, your child has someone close by.
Founded and led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., Spark brings her doctoral research in early childhood education into everyday learning. Ask to see the Developmental Playroom and how purposeful play works.
Explore purposeful playTours take about 30 minutes. Bring your child. We'll follow up on your request to arrange a time, with no pressure to enroll.
Before you visit from Pekin.
Where is Spark in relation to Pekin?
Spark's campus is at 1989 N Morton Ave in Morton. We do not have a Pekin campus. Use either Pekin reference route above, or directions from your own address, to see how the trip fits your day.
What should we check before committing to the drive from Pekin?
Consider the journey at both ends of your child's morning, who will handle pickup and what happens between drop-off and pickup. Preschool runs 8:30–11:30 AM; Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten run 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. Visit with your child to see the classroom and discuss the available days before choosing your routine.
Can my child start after turning three during the school year?
Yes. Fresh 3’s Fridays and 3’s Preschool both welcome children when they turn three, including during the school year. Children must be fully potty trained before starting. We’ll confirm openings and a start date with you.
Does Spark offer full-day daycare?
Spark is a play-based preschool with morning programs. Fresh 3’s Fridays, 3’s Preschool and 4’s Preschool run 8:30–11:30 AM. Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten run 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. These programs do not provide a full day of child care.
Is tuition assistance available?
Yes! Spark Academy accepts the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for all core programs. CCAP helps eligible Illinois families with qualifying child care expenses. Contact us to learn more about using CCAP at Spark Academy.
Can we visit before choosing a program?
Absolutely. A tour takes about 30 minutes, and your child is welcome. Meet the team, explore the classrooms and talk through age, schedule and readiness. You can explore this school year or plan for next year, with no pressure to enroll. We’ll follow up on your tour request to arrange a time.
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 or a member of our team will reply personally by email. We respond on weekdays, usually the same day.
Your information is private. We'll only use it to answer your question. Privacy Policy
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292
Come picture your child here.
Meet the teachers, explore the classrooms, and tell us about your child.
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292
We may be in the classroom — leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.