As for Montessori... sometimes it works out great for gifted kids, and sometimes it works out badly in spectacular ways. It mostly seems to hinge on the personality of the child. Gifted children who possess the traits of silliness, creativity, and independence do not take well to the emphasis on structure, where every work has to be completed properly before moving on, and each can only be used the way it was intended. If that describes your child, I'd suggest looking at other options.
My experience is very different. First of all, some Montessori schools allow manipulatives to be used outside of their intended purpose, while some do not. It depends on the school (it may depend on the teacher if the school has no universal policy). Secondly, Montessori schools I have experience with focus strongly on developing independence. I actually can't think of another preschool environment where the children are afforded as much freedom in directing their own activities, nor where the expectations for personal responsibility are as high.
Here's a link that addresses creativity in the Montessori classroom:
http://partners-in-parenting.typepad.com/pip/2009/04/does-montessori-stifle-creativity.htmlI will add that my daughter had selective mutism before going to school. During play dates with loud and outgoing children, she would freeze up and cling to her parents without saying a word for as much as an hour before she would be comfortable enough to join in and play. Usually Montessori classes are much quieter and less rambunctious than other preschool environments, but still there is variance. My daughter really needed an environment that was unusually quiet and orderly even for a Montessori classroom in order to feel comfortable. But after almost 2 years in Montessori 1/2 day every day, all that seems to be behind us now.
