The change from a more traditional approach to a Montessori approach, particularly for adolescents, can be a bit challenging.  Adolescent programs are generally based on the assumption that the child has had some work in a Montessori environment.  In order for things to work better, the adolescent must be involved in the decision to attend an adolescent programme.  An observation of how an adolescent community function is necessary so that the adolescent and parents are basing such a decision somewhat on knowledge.

Depending on the experiences an adolescent is coming from and the personality of the adolescent, the transition can be a smooth one or can be fraught with challenges.  A very clear explanation of how an adolescent programme functions, of the values, expressed, of the role of independent functioning, and the necessity of limits set to allow the adolescent community to function well – all these things must be accepted by both the adolescent and the parents.
Being given the information and having the desire to enter the programme, a small number of non-Montessori experienced adolescents can function well and can make significant changes in themselves and their community.