Read more details about Brentwood College School on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
What set Brentwood apart for me wasn’t just the oceanfront campus (though performing Shakespeare with waves crashing behind you is unforgettable) it was the tripartite structure. The balance between academics, arts, and athletics wasn’t just on paper as it was baked into how we lived. That structure gave me permission to fully pursue my love of theatre without having to “sacrifice” academics or sports. I could stretch both my mind and my imagination in a place that took both seriously.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me? Landing the lead in my final-year musical and getting accepted to NYU the same week. I grew into someone who’s not afraid to take creative risks. If I could go back, I’d remind myself not to stress so much about being perfect. Perfection is boring but honesty is better.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would’ve been kinder to myself in the beginning. I came in feeling like I had to prove something to be the best actor, the best student, the best friend all at once. It took me a while to realize you don’t have to earn your place at Brentwood. Just showing up as yourself is enough. Advice for new students? Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Try out for the thing that scares you. Let people in. The magic of boarding school isn’t just in what you do but it’s in who you grow into by doing it.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I loved most about Brentwood was the way it let me be everything from a performer, a student, a friend to a leader without ever asking me to choose just one. I wasn’t boxed in. I could cry backstage after a tough rehearsal, then ace a lit paper the next morning, then run barefoot on the beach that afternoon. It’s a place that made space for all parts of me, and I’ll never forget that.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you're visiting Brentwood sit on the amphitheatre steps at sunset. There’s nowhere else like it. And don’t miss the peanut butter banana smoothie at the snack bar. Trust me.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The best part? Teachers who actually got me. Mr. Wardrop’s literature class was like a mini acting lab because he encouraged us to read plays aloud and to understand characters as if we were going to play them. I never felt like I had to choose between “the artsy kid” and “the academic.” I was both. The workload was real especially during production weeks but teachers were flexible when they knew we were balancing multiple commitments.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I wasn’t aiming for varsity trophies, but I loved being part of the cross-training program and the climbing team. Brentwood didn’t treat athletics like it was only for the elite there was space for us “theatre kids” who still wanted to move and stay active. Coaches genuinely cared, even if you weren’t the strongest competitor on the field.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Theatre at Brentwood wasn’t an extracurricular but it was a full-on immersion. From costume fittings to post-rehearsal vocal exercises, the commitment was intense. But what stood out most was the faculty, Ms. Widenmaier and Mr. Anderton were more than teachers; they were mentors. The Killy stage became home. We even had professional lighting and soundboards like, actual tech crew. That kind of access is rare in high school.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I joined B-Well as a wellness rep in my dorm, helped organize Spirit Week, and volunteered with the Java Hut talent show. But my favourite moments came from spontaneous open-mic nights, these weren’t official events, just someone grabbing a guitar in McNeill’s and suddenly half the house was singing along.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was in Alex House. Cozy, chaotic, full of life. We had tea nights on Wednesdays and shared playlists in the common room. I’ll never forget the late-night dress rehearsals and instant ramen after. It felt like a chosen family. Special shoutout to our houseparent Ms. Ramsay part mother, part theatre critic.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Crooks Hall was surprisingly decent for cafeteria food. Shoutout to “Taco Tuesdays” and the lemon bars. Food Services really stepped up during events as they made themed meals during Fright Week and Kindness Week that added so much spirit.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Mill Bay is small, but the fact that the school backs onto the ocean makes up for it. I used to go sit on the dock to run lines or decompress after a tough rehearsal. It felt like a movie set sometimes.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Interhouse events were the place to bond. Air Band was iconic (I may or may not have done Beyoncé one year). Brentwood made it easy to connect because there was always something going on, from Halloween cupcake contests to Mental Health Day with puppies.
Read more details about Brentwood College School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
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What set Brentwood apart for me wasn’t just the oceanfront campus (though performing Shakespeare with waves crashing behind you is unforgettable) it was the tripartite structure. The balance between academics, arts, and athletics wasn’t just. . .
Coming from Grande Prairie, the idea of boarding school was a big leap. But Brentwood just worked as it was structured, but not rigid. What really stood out to me was how student leadership was. . .
Brentwood taught me what it meant to step out of my comfort zone. As someone who wasn’t used to big schools or high expectations, it could’ve been overwhelming. But the people from teachers to classmates. . .
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