We looked at Montessori for my DS3 this year. The program was not a good fit for him (e.g. letters would not be allowed called by their names instead to be referred to by sound regardless of the fact that he is already reading and appreciates phonics, stations would be completed in succession, there were no shoes allowed - only slippers in school, DS3 was not encouraged to tour the school because being part of choosing a school is not a child's decision to make..). To say the least I was concerned that the environment would not tolerate exploration and creative interpretation, and would not tolerate the intensity and enthusiasm he demonstrates. The program we chose to stay with has offered pull out to pre k groups for the academics, and socialization with older kids is facilitated through mixed age playground time daily and inclusion in summer program activities. It is overall a better fit - though the Montessori had some really cool science, gadget, and geography materials I thought he would love. I realize that every child's needs are different. Montessori may be a great choice depending on what you and DD are looking to get out of preschool, and the particular program's teachers and programming.
There is a good list of providers (consultation and planning, testing..) located on the Sage School's (Foxboro) webpage. Aimee Yermish is a good resource. She's in Stow.
