Brentwood is a progressive, co-ed boarding school for Grades 9 to 12 located on a spectacular oceanfront campus in the small, safe oceanside community of Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Established in 1923, Brentwood offers a modern, transformative place of learning and leadership, mirroring the educational experience of a small college. Prospective students are drawn to our nurturing boarding environment, our strong university preparatory program, and our innovative tripartite approach to scheduling academics, arts, and athletics. These together create unrivalled opportunities for student learning. It is a remarkable place to make lifelong friends while gaining a world-class education. Brentwood is where students choose to be.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
Top Rankings
Brentwood College School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 276 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
Brentwood College School
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12, PG
Grades Offered (Day)
8-12, PG
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1923
Campus Size
90 acres
Colors
White, Black, Red
Student Body
Enrollment
550 students
% International Students
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Daily school uniform for academic classes
Daily school uniform for academic classes
Average Class Size
16 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
25
ESL Courses Offered
No
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
40%
Summer Program Offered
No
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$18 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$68,000
($84000 US Boarding students (Cdn Funds))
($84000 US Boarding students (Cdn Funds))
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$37,000
Tuition international students
$96,300
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Acceptance Rate
30%
Director of Admissions
Clayton Johnston
Associate Director of Admissions
Jacqueline Albinati
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
25
Courses
Art HistoryBiology 11
Biology 12Calculus AB
Calculus BCChemistry 11
Chemistry 12Comparative Government and Politics
Computer ScienceComputer Science Principles
English LanguageEnglish Literature
Environmental ScienceFrench Language
MacroeconomicsMicroeconomics
Physics 11Physics 12
PsychologyResearch
Seminar 11Spanish Language
Studio Art 11Studio Art 12
United States HistoryWorld History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
20
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
42
Extracurriculars
Arts and Music Programs:
3D Art and Sculpture3D Pottery
Acting for Stage and ScreenAdvanced Dance
Advanced Rock BandAdvanced Traditional Film Photography
Art FoundationArt Rotation
Beginner DanceBeginner Rock Band
Beginners Traditional Film PhotographyBrentwood Broadcast
Composition Rock BandDance Company
Digital PhotographyDrawing and Painting
Film ArtsGraphic Art and Design
Hand Built PotteryIntermediate Dance
Intermediate Rock BandJazz Ensemble
Junior DebateJunior Drama
Media ProductionModel United Nations
Musical TheatreMusical Theatre 8
PhotojournalismPublic Speaking
Rhythm and BluesRobotics
Senior DebateSenior Play
Strings EnsembleStudio Art Rotation
Theatre ProductionWind Ensemble
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Queen's University
49
University of British Columbia
33
University of Victoria
31
McGill University
22
Dalhousie University
12
University of Toronto, St. George's
11
University of Ediburgh
7
St. Andrews University, Medical Program
6
University of the Arts, London
4
Harvard University
2
School Notes
- Brentwood is a boarding school, not simply a school with boarding. This means you are part of a community defined by inclusion and surrounded by students who choose to be at our school. In a contemporary setting, surrounded by caring friends and mentors, students grow into independent young adults who develop relationships that last a lifetime and span the globe.
- Brentwood`s distinctive Tripartite Program and schedule is designed to provide students with a timetable that leads to meaningful opportunities. It puts academics at the core of a challenging curriculum, while providing unparalleled choice for all students to participate in athletics and the arts.
- Brentwood has a long tradition of seeking new and innovative ways to enhance learning for each student. The pursuit of academic discovery and growth is a fundamental aim of the School. To support these goals we have advanced learning facilities and low student:teacher ratios. Our academic curricula in all subjects and at all grades, including our Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, reflect our mission as a university preparatory school.
- The arts promote creativity, self-expression, and teamwork. They help our students to visualize an idea and see a complex process through to reality, while enriching the imagination and challenging the mind. At Brentwood, the arts support our movement towards global mindedness as they create culture and provide enrichment.
- The key aim of Brentwood athletics is to develop studentathletes as leaders through personal fitness, teamwork, fair play, the pursuit of athletic excellence-and, in many cases, a love of the game.
- Brentwood College School accreditations: TABS, CAIS, WBSA, ISA, NAIS, SSAT
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Wade Davis - National Geographic Explorer and Writer
- Ben Butterfield - World renowned tenor
- David Wilkinson - Fuel Cell Technology
- Alistair Gillespie - Federal Politician, Businessman
- H. Roche Robertson - Surgeon and Principal of McGill University
- Pip Holmes - War Hero and Businessman
- John H. Stubbs - War Hero
- Michelle MacLaren - Film and TV Director - Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones
- Clifton Murray - Member of The Tenors singing group
- School Mascot: Big Torch
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Brentwood College School cost?
Brentwood College School's tuition is approximately $68,000 for boarding students and $37,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Brentwood College School?
The acceptance rate of Brentwood College School is 30%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Brentwood College School?
Brentwood College School famous alumni include: Wade Davis, Ben Butterfield, David Wilkinson, Alistair Gillespie, H. Roche Robertson, Pip Holmes, John H. Stubbs, Michelle MacLaren and Clifton Murray.
What sports does Brentwood College School offer?
Brentwood College School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Rugby, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Brentwood College School's ranking?
Brentwood College School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Brentwood College School?
The application deadline for Brentwood College School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
What made Brentwood stand out for me wasn’t just the stunning oceanfront campus or the obvious focus on excellence, it was how the school deliberately pushes you to grow in every dimension of your life. . .
Brentwood is unique compared to other schools because it has strong emphasis on the tripod system, academics, arts, and athletics are equally valued. For me, rowing became a huge part of my identity here, but. . .
Brentwood wasn’t just the place I went to school; it was the place that shaped how I see myself and the world. Coming from Vancouver, I thought I had a sense of community already, but. . .
Show more reviews (17 reviews)
Recent Articles

Free Boarding Schools 2025: Tuition-Free Boarding Options
Explore 2025 tuition-free boarding school options, where and how they offer free boarding, eligibility, and real examples for families.

Boarding School and College Outcomes
Do boarding school graduates have better college outcomes? Explore 2025 data, expert insights, and comparisons with day and public school peers.

International Students in U.S. Boarding Schools
A 2025 guide for families: What international students should know about U.S. boarding schools, admissions, support, and cultural life.