The word Montessori can be used by any school that chooses to, every one is slightly different and even in ones that have an identical philosophy the individual teachers may be quite different in how they implement the philosophy. Even if one has had a school tour and heard all about the particular school's philosophy, that is no substitute for sitting in on the actual class one's child would be in (and perhaps visiting both in morning and afternoon as the two parts to the day can be really different).
Our local montessori looked like a poor fit for DS4. Too strict, too serious, too dull, too teacher led. I do hear glowing reports about some - this one did not glow.
To answer the original question, DS very much prefers child led and preferably pretend. Virtually any mundane activity (eating, getting in the car) is some imaginary scenario just to enhance the interest level enough to get through it.
We chose a preschool for this year that valued child led pretend play, but also had shorter periods of time each day that emphasized following directions (a meal time and a group time). It was a good choice for this year for DS, I think were we to stay here he would likely be bored with it as he'd now be the oldest. We are moving though so no option to return anyways.
Polly
