I am the product of Montessori education (from age 2 - 5). When I was 5, I started fist grade. Didn't even go to kindergarten. I could read and write and do math far better than any of my classmates. I had no trouble adapting to public school except that I wondered why people were teaching me things I already knew! By 2nd grade, I was working at a 4th grade level. I ended up graduating highschool when I was 16. I was never pushed by my parents, either. I just LOVED to learn.

As one of 5 kids and the only one who went to Montessori, I can say I had a much easier time in school, with academics and socializing than my older siblings.

I can't wait to send my daughter to Montesorri (she's 4 mo. now so it will be a while).

that's just my experience.