The particular Montessori school we were considering is Internationally accredited, and all teachers are specifically Montessori trained and certified. They follow the montessori model exactly from what I can tell from visiting. Although, I do think the teachers are involved with the students in that they help direct students when needed,and they do small group or one-on-one instruction throughout the day. I don't think the issue in our particular case is whether they are truly Montessori or not; the question is: does a true Montessori approach work well with gifted children? I do think this school is committed to the the step by step Montessori method, and I'd say that would be torture for my son. I love the school so much; I wish there was some way to spend part of the day there. Not an option for first KG or 1st grade.