Located in Morton, IL · serving Tremont families
Preschool Near Tremont, IL
A twelve-minute drive from Tremont to a preschool worth the trip.
Tremont is a close-knit village just south of Morton — about eight miles, or a twelve-minute drive up Route 9. That puts Spark Academy comfortably within reach for Tremont families who want more for their child's preschool years than the nearest available option: a curriculum built by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., a doctoral researcher in early childhood education.
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Why Tremont Families Choose Spark Academy
Small-town families know the value of a place where everyone is known by name — and that's exactly how Spark operates. With a 5:1 ratio, staff who greet every family personally, and an Open Door Policy, Spark feels familiar to Tremont parents even as it offers an expertise their own town can't. The short drive north buys their child a foundation grounded in real research.
Spark Academy is the only preschool in Central Illinois founded and led by a doctoral researcher in early childhood education. That's not a marketing line — it's the difference between a program that supervises children and one that's designed, hour by hour, around how young children actually learn. See what sets Spark apart →
Doctoral-Led Curriculum
Every activity is designed by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D., whose doctoral research studied how preschoolers learn through play and peer engagement.
A True 5:1 Ratio
Five children per teacher means your child is genuinely known — more conversation, more attention, more of the responsive interaction that builds healthy brain architecture.
All-Inclusive Tuition
One price covers teachers, curriculum, every school supply, art materials, and daily snacks. No supply lists, no hidden fees, no mid-year surprises.
An Open Door, Always
Parents can walk into the classroom any time, no appointment needed. We frame it as trust and transparency — you should always be able to see your child's morning.
Preschool Programs for Tremont Families
Spark serves children from age 3 through kindergarten with flexible schedules built around how families actually live. Every program runs the same purposeful daily rhythm — Academic Play, the Developmental Playroom, and a Daily Enrichment rotation through Spanish, STEM, Art, Communication, and Music & Movement.
| Program | Ages & Schedule | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh 3's Fridays | Age 3+ · Fridays, 8:30–11:30 | $100/mo |
| 3's Preschool | Age 3+ · T/Th or M/W, 8:30–11:30 | $350/mo |
| 4's Preschool | Age 4+ · T/Th, M/W/F, or M–F | from $350/mo |
| Kindergarten Prep | 5 by Nov 30 · T/Th, M/W/F, or M–F | from $400/mo |
| Kindergarten | 5 by Sept 30 · M–F, 8:00–12:00 | $700/mo |
Tuition is paid over 10 months, with a 10% discount for full-year payment and a $100 deposit to hold a spot. Spark's Kindergarten Prep uses a November 30 birthday cutoff — later than the public-school deadline — which is a real difference for Tremont families whose child just misses the Tremont CUSD 702 cutoff.
Not sure which program fits your child? A tour is the easiest way to find out.
Schedule a tour →Purposeful Play, Not Just Playtime
Spark's Purposeful Play framework is built on the principle that play is how young children do their most important learning — when it's designed with intention. Nothing in a Spark morning is filler. Each child's day includes structured Academic Play, time in the signature Developmental Playroom (which transforms monthly), a Daily Enrichment rotation, outdoor play, and snack.
The behavior philosophy is just as intentional: behavior is communication. When a young child struggles, it signals a skill still developing — never defiance. Children are guided with connection before correction, and never shamed or labeled. For Tremont parents, that means a preschool that builds confidence and self-regulation alongside letters and numbers.
Getting to Spark from Tremont
Tremont families typically reach Spark in about twelve minutes via Route 9. You'll find Spark at 1989 N Morton Ave, Morton, IL 61550, on the north side of town. Families coming from Tremont often pass landmarks like the Tremont Turkey Festival along the way.
Spark also welcomes families from nearby communities. If you have neighbors weighing their options, these pages may help:
Tremont Preschool Questions, Answered
How far is Spark Academy from Tremont, IL?
Spark Academy is about eight miles north of Tremont in Morton — roughly a twelve-minute drive via Route 9 / Tremont-Morton Road.
Does Spark Academy take families from Tremont?
Yes. Tremont families are a short drive from Spark and are warmly welcomed. Spark serves children from age 3 through kindergarten.
What's the difference between Spark and a daycare?
Spark is a play-based preschool, not a daycare. A daycare's purpose is safe supervision while parents work; a preschool's purpose is intentional, curriculum-driven education. Every part of a Spark morning is designed by a doctoral researcher with developmental goals in mind. Read the full comparison →
How do I enroll or schedule a tour?
The best first step is a tour — you'll meet our team and see the classrooms in person. Schedule a tour online or call 309-291-3292. Prefer to call? We may be in the classroom — leave a message and we'll call you back the same day.
Give Your Child a Spark Start
Whether you're in Tremont or anywhere in the greater Peoria area, the best way to know if Spark is right for your family is to walk through the door. Come see a morning of purposeful play in action.
Have a question? Call 309-291-3292 or check our FAQ.