our son goes to Montessori pre-primary. Very happy with it so far... the variety of activities as nowhere else i was looking... they plant gardens, take care of room pets, reading, music, gyms, spanish, outside time, really healthy snacks, i was impressed (like juice is a special treat on holidays, fruits veggies and only whole grain carbs...). They cook, clean after themselves, etc... academically is superb... yes, there are times when a child has to work alone, and not bother other kids when they work alone, but after/between the projects they have plenty of socializing times. The best way to describe it as how they do it themselves - child centered philosphy. But Montessori name is not patented so any center can call themselves Montessori. In a true MOntessori every teacher has Masters in Montessori education. As Julia S mentioned, one has to make sure they are in a true montessori place.