Traditional preschools are also known as structured or cognitive schools. Here are 10 characteristics of a traditional preschool:

1) There is an established curriculum with specific goals for the children.

2) There may be a period of free choice, but there is a strong emphasis on formal instruction.

3) The goals are based on teaching children math, letters, numbers, sounds, shapes, problem solving, sorting, listening comprehension and more.

4) Here, the teachers instruct, direct, explain and organize each lesson. Children learn from their teachers rather than from their own exploration.

5) It is likely that all the children are working on the same activity at the same time. For example, at Thanksgiving, everyone can work by putting together pre-cut construction paper to make turkeys. The emphasis will be more on the finished product than on the process. If you walk into a classroom and see a bulletin board displaying 20 of the same bucks, you are probably in a traditional school.

6) There is an emphasis on school readiness so children spend time working with worksheets to learn math and writing.

7) The atmosphere is formal. The children call the teachers Mrs. X or Miss Y. You may encounter a uniform or dress code at this type of school.

8) They will be strict about making sure your child is potty trained before the age of three.

9) Studies have shown that children who attend traditional schools are less aggressive with their peers, more task oriented, and perform better on achievement and IQ tests.

10) On the downside, they show less independence and initiative, their play is not as imaginative, and they score lower on creativity tests.