Fresh 3's Fridays
Start when your child turns 3
Friday · 8:30–11:30 AM
Ages 3 through kindergarten · Morning programs
Preschool near Peoria.
A small, play-based school where your child can feel known. Visit Spark Academy in Morton and see how the classroom and the trip fit your family.
Spark Academy · In Morton, Illinois
1989 N Morton AveMorton, IL 61550 Get directions from your address →
- Our Campus
- 1989 N Morton AveMorton, IL 61550 · Welcoming Peoria families across the river
- Preschool Hours
- 8:30–11:30 AMFresh 3's Fridays, 3's Preschool & 4's Preschool
- K-Prep & Kindergarten
- 8:00 AM–12:00 PMKindergarten Prep & Private Kindergarten · 5:1 ratio
Peoria Starting Points
Plan your morning across the river.
A trip from downtown Peoria starts differently from one near Grand Parkway. Use the library closest to your part of town as a first look, then replace it with your home or work address.
Downtown Reference
Downtown Peoria
Peoria Public Library · Main Library107 NE Monroe Street, Peoria, IL 61602
Directions from Downtown Peoria →
North Peoria Reference
North Peoria
Peoria Public Library · North Branch3001 W Grand Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615
Directions from North Peoria →Check the trip at school time.
Check the river crossing in both directions. If you head back to Peoria after drop-off, include that leg as well as the return for pickup. Try the drive on a weekday at the time your child's program would begin.
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
Core Morning Programs
A morning that fits your child.
Start with their age, then choose the days. Each program page has the full details and schedule options.
Compare all programs →3'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.
5:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio
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.
Tours take about 30 minutes. Bring your child. We'll follow up on your request to arrange a time, with no pressure to enroll.
Peoria Families FAQ
Before you visit from Peoria.
Answers on our Morton campus address, river-crossing commute planning, rolling age-3 starts, and morning schedules.
Is Spark Academy in Peoria?
Our school is in Morton at 1989 N Morton Ave. This page helps Peoria families plan a visit to that campus. We do not have a Peoria location.
How long is the drive from Peoria?
It depends on where you start, the river crossing and the time of day. The downtown and north Peoria links give you two starting points. For your own commute, enter your address in Google Maps and check a weekday arrival before 8:30 AM for preschool or 8:00 AM for Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten. Check the pickup trip separately.
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.
Ask Us Anything
What would you like to know?
Ask about start dates, schedules, morning commute timing, or your child's first school experience. You don't need to be ready for a tour.
Tap a topic to start your question:
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
Visit Spark Academy
Come picture your child here.
Meet the teachers, explore the classrooms, and tell us about your child.
✓ About 30 minutes
✓ Bring your child
✓ No pressure to enroll
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292 We may be in the classroom — leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.
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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, meet the team, and talk about 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.