Brentwood College School - Review #1

Mill Bay is a quiet little town, but that’s part of what makes Brentwood special. The school sits right on the ocean, and the view still gets me every time I think about it. There’s something about starting your day with that kind of backdrop, it keeps you grounded. I liked how active life felt because of the surroundings. Whether it was rowing, hiking, or just walking along the shore, the place encouraged us to get outside and appreciate where we were. One thing that makes Brentwood stand out from a lot of other boarding schools is how the school leans into experiential learning. Teachers don’t just stick to the textbook, they create real-life, hands-on opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. Whether it’s a math project, a science trip, or a group art collaboration, the goal is to make it stick in a meaningful way. And it really does.

One of the best things that happened to me at Brentwood wasn’t a single event. It was the overall shift in who I became. I arrived thinking I had a good sense of self, but it wasn’t until I was thrown into this dynamic, challenging, and sometimes unpredictable environment that I really started to grow. I learned how to lead without needing a title, how to be reliable in a team, and how to show up consistently even when things got hard. That balance Brentwood talks about, between academics, arts, and athletics really did teach me how to manage my time and take care of my mental and physical well-being. It’s something I carried into college without even realizing it at first. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be to speak up more and try even more things early on. Like most new students, I was a little hesitant in the beginning, trying to figure out where I fit in, but Brentwood is the kind of place where showing initiative really pays off. My advice to incoming students? Say yes to the random opportunities, introduce yourself to people even if it feels awkward, and don’t wait to start contributing. Everyone’s nervous at first, but the faster you engage, the faster this place starts to feel like home.

Looking back, I think I would’ve told myself to stop overthinking everything and just jump in. In the beginning, I was a bit too caught up in trying to get everything “right” ie making the perfect first impression, staying on top of every detail, not messing up. But Brentwood is the kind of place where you grow the most when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, mess up a little, and learn from it. I wish I had gotten more involved sooner and not waited until I felt fully “settled.” The reality is, everyone’s figuring it out at the same time, and there’s so much freedom in embracing that. For anyone about to start boarding school, my biggest advice is this: say yes to things. Try out for the team even if you’re not sure you’ll make it, sign up for the club that seems interesting even if your friends don’t, go to the event even if you’re tired. Those are the moments where real friendships and memories are made. And when things get tough (because they will at times), remember that you’re surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Ask for help, talk to your Houseparent, lean on your community. Boarding school isn’t just about academics—it’s about becoming someone you’re proud of. Let yourself grow into that person.

What I liked most about Brentwood was how intentionally balanced everything felt. It wasn’t just about academics or athletics or the arts. It was about weaving all of that into a rhythm that actually worked. The schedule, the structure of the day, even the culture of the place, all of it encouraged you to try new things, manage your time well, and show up fully in different parts of yourself. There aren’t many schools where you can go from calculus to crew practice to a theatre production all in one day and still feel like all of it matters equally.But more than anything, it was the people that made it. From Houseparents and teachers to teammates and dorm friends, the community is what stays with you. There was always someone to push you, someone to support you, and someone to laugh with when things got chaotic (which, let’s be real, they often did). Brentwood helped me grow into someone who could handle a lot, who knew how to work hard, and who understood the value of showing up not just for school, but for the people around me.

Don’t wait to find your place instead make one. Try new things, talk to people outside your usual crowd, and enjoy the little moments (they fly). Grab a cookie from the Tuck Shop, trust me and make time to sit by the ocean. It’s grounding. Also, big shoutout to Whittall House, best vibes, best people.

The atmosphere of any private school can be a bit “cliquey," but the overall quality of the education/experiences at Brentwood far outweighed that negative. It’s much easier to be academically focused in an environment like that. Our campus buzzed with the energy of intellectual curiosity as our incredible and committed teaching faculty worked alongside us to provide us with deep learning experiences which demanded grit but, equally, yielded a great deal of joy. Some of the enriched experiences embedded into our already robust academic program would include students in the AP French Language & Culture class who participated in the concours d’art oratoire. Over 400 titles have been added to our library’s physical collection, mostly Indigenous and other minority voices (e.g. Black, Muslim, Sikh, Asian, other BIPOC, and SOGI).Academics at Brentwood are definitely rigorous, but they’re also incredibly engaging and personal. What I liked most was how invested the teachers were—not just in the subject matter, but in us. For example, Mrs. Vought and Mrs. Jackson completely changed the way I saw math. They had this way of breaking things down while also showing us why it mattered, and they were patient when we needed time to catch up. Their classrooms were places where it was okay to ask questions and not know the answer right away.Brentwood also does a great job of giving you independence while still offering a lot of support. Mr. Snow, who was also my House Master, set a tone of accountability that carried over into the classroom. And then there was Mrs. Hedquist—her advice and prep around life after Brentwood really helped shape how I approached my final year. Across the board, teachers made themselves available beyond class hours, whether that meant staying late to go over a paper or just checking in to see how things were going. It’s that kind of support that made the academic experience feel both challenging and doable.

he athletics program at Brentwood is broad and inclusive, which was something I really appreciated. You don’t have to be a varsity-level athlete to find your place—you just have to be willing to show up and give it your best. I participated in cross-training and squash regularly, and even though I wasn’t chasing medals, the focus on effort, growth, and commitment made the experience feel meaningful. There’s a real culture of encouraging everyone to try new things, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. I saw a lot of students, myself included, grow into new versions of themselves just by sticking with a sport or pushing through a tough practice.One of the most memorable parts of Brentwood athletics is how it blends with school spirit, especially through Interhouse events. These weren’t just for fun (though they were fun)—they created a shared sense of identity and healthy competition. Events like the Eco-Challenge or Tug of War during Interhouse Competitions brought out everyone’s best, and you could really feel the energy on campus shift during those days. Even niche activities like jiu-jitsu and SCUBA had a place in the program. That kind of variety and emphasis on personal development over just performance is something that really sets Brentwood apart.

One of the things that makes Brentwood so special is how much value it places on the arts. It’s not treated like an optional extra—you’re actually required to take part, and I’m so glad for that. Even students who didn’t consider themselves “artsy” ended up discovering new sides of themselves. I personally gravitated toward visual arts, and I loved how much freedom we were given to explore our own creative ideas while still learning proper technique. The facilities are incredible, and there’s this natural back-and-forth between students and instructors that makes it feel less like a class and more like a studio environment.The vibe across all the arts programs—whether that’s dance, theatre, photography, or music—is super collaborative. You don’t have to be the lead in a production or have gallery-ready work to be appreciated. What I liked most was the culture of support. Students showed up for each other’s showcases, performances, and exhibits, and there was always a sense of pride in seeing what your classmates had created. Brentwood really nails the balance between technical skill-building and giving you the space to express who you are.

The School also made it easy to find ways to give back, whether through organized community service initiatives or more informal opportunities. A lot of the leadership roles I stepped into weren’t flashy titles—they were about helping to plan events, mentoring younger students, or just supporting the vibe of the house and community. And those “smaller” contributions were really valued. You always felt like your effort mattered. It wasn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it was about being someone people could rely on.

Dorm life at Brentwood was honestly one of the most defining parts of my experience. You live with people from all over the world, and that mix of cultures, personalities, and routines makes for a really rich environment. My house, shoutout to Mr Snow, was a blend of chaos and comfort in the best way. Your dorm becomes more than just where you sleep; it's where you laugh until way too late on a Tuesday night, where you vent after a tough class, and where people just get you, without having to explain everything. I think what I liked most was that feeling of built-in community. No matter how your day went, you always had your people to come back to. We had house dinners, little birthday celebrations, and all kinds of small traditions that made it special. Over time, you start to see your dormmates as family, even the ones who snore or borrow your snacks without asking. It’s those little, ordinary moments that end up meaning the most.

The dining hall at Brentwood was very much a central part of our daily routine, not just for food, but for connection. Meals were buffet-style, and there was usually a pretty decent variety with options for different dietary needs. Breakfasts were solid (especially if you caught them on a day with waffles or hash browns), and lunches and dinners rotated enough to keep things from getting too repetitive, though I’ll be honest, after a while you do start to memorize the cycle. That said, what I liked most wasn’t necessarily the food itself, but the rhythm it gave to our days. Everyone filters through the dining hall at some point, and those shared meals became a time to catch up with friends, decompress between commitments, or just sit and people-watch while you recover from your last class or practice. Some of the best conversations I had happened over a plate of pasta or during late dinner when things were a bit quieter. Also, snack bar runs were essential. You always had your go-to treat (mine was pop tarts and iced tea), and somehow, snacks taste better when they’re part of a post-prep ritual with your dorm. It was a small thing, but it really tied the whole experience together.

Brentwood is tucked into Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, and the location honestly feels like something out of a postcard. The campus itself sits right on the ocean, so you’re constantly surrounded by water, forests, and mountains in the distance, it’s hard not to feel grounded when your backyard looks like that. What I liked most about the area was how peaceful it was. You’re away from the chaos of big cities, and that calm really helps you focus on being present and enjoying the experience. At the same time, there was enough around us to keep things interesting. Whether it was a quick coffee run to Serious Coffee, a weekend trip into Victoria, or just heading out for a walk on the beach, there were little escapes that helped balance out the pace of school life. The area has that classic West Coast vibe, one that is laid-back but active and being surrounded by nature made it easy to reset when things got hectic. Brentwood’s setting wasn’t just beautiful, it helped shape a slower, more intentional rhythm that I think a lot of us came to appreciate.

Social life at Brentwood is one of those things that just evolves naturally because you’re living, learning, and growing with the same people every day. There’s a strong sense of community here, and while yes, like any school, there can be cliques or groups that form, the school does a really good job of creating opportunities for everyone to mix and connect. Events organized by SAC like Spirit Week, international dinners, and casual movie or trivia nights really helped break the ice, especially in the early months. Those small moments end up being some of the most memorable.What I liked most was how the social life wasn’t just centered around “big events,” but more in the little in-between times eg late-night chats in dorm lounges, spontaneous volleyball games, sharing snacks after prep. You end up forming strong bonds across grades and houses. Everyone kind of finds their people, but there’s also a ton of crossover. Whether it was dressing up in the most ridiculous outfits for Red & Black Day or cheering on your friends during Interhouse games, there was always a sense of togetherness. It felt like home away from home.