Montessori methods of childhood education are now universally recognized. They are not always wholly applied in the classroom. The thing is that Montessori had a complete method, and if you mix it up with other stuff, its success gets diluted. This school is the most traditional in San Francisco. It has prepared my son and daughter extremely well for their academic careers. Kids don't learn by rote at MCC; they learn slowly, organically, thoroughly and learn basic life skills such as buttoning, zippering, cleaning up messes. Montessori viewed these activities as learning opportunities as well as a way to refine their fine motor skills. If you want a serious, strong preparation based on work/play (Montessori saw no difference in childhood education), this is the place. If you want a cozy, huggy place with kids talking over each other and doing whatever they like, then this may not be the place. It's worth checking out.