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?
Walking into Brentwood College School for the first time felt like stepping into a world that was both inspiring and welcoming. The campus itself is unforgettable, i mean the ocean views, the salty air, and the way the light hits the water during early morning classes. It’s not just beautiful but it sets the tone for how you feel about being there. From the start, I knew Brentwood would be more than a school for me, it would be a place that helped shape me into who I wanted to become.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The highlight of my Brentwood experience was leading a cultural awareness event where we shared food, music, and stories from our diverse backgrounds. I’ll never forget standing in that room, looking around, and realizing that we had built a space where everyone felt safe to share who they were. That moment made me proud, not just of myself but of the community we were creating together.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Looking back, I think I would have allowed myself to relax a little more in the beginning. When I first arrived at Brentwood, I felt like I had to have everything figured out right away for example what activities to join, how to balance schoolwork, how to make friends. In reality, no one expects you to know it all at once, and some of the best experiences I had came from moments I hadn’t planned at all. Brentwood is the kind of place where people want to see you grow, and you won’t regret stepping outside of your comfort zone. I would advice to take time to enjoy the small, quiet moments by the water or with your friends. Years later, those are the memories that stay with you.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
Brentwood gave me more than an education, it gave me a framework for how I want to move through life. The combination of rigorous academics, real opportunities for leadership, and a deeply caring community shaped me in ways that I’ll carry forever.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you’re coming to Brentwood, my final words are simple, come with an open heart. Be ready to learn, but also to listen to your peers, your teachers, and yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they scare you at first. Some of the best parts of my journey came from moments when I stepped out of my comfort zone. And take a quiet moment by the ocean when you can because the waves have a way of reminding you just how far you’ve come.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Brentwood academics were demanding but never cold or impersonal. The teachers actually saw you. I can still picture Ms. Ramirez, my lit teacher, scribbling comments on the margins of my essays, not just correcting grammar but asking questions that made me rethink my assumptions. Those conversations weren’t about grades, they were about growing as a thinker. That’s what made me feel supported, the belief that my perspective mattered.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
While I wasn’t that athletic, but Brentwood had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged in the athletic culture. I tried out new activities, from fitness classes to house competitions, and I loved cheering from the sidelines at rugby games. There’s a special kind of school pride that comes with gathering as a community on the field, and you feel it even if you’re not the one holding the ball.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
The arts at Brentwood amazed me. I wasn’t involved myself, but I spent a lot of time supporting and celebrating my friends who were actors, musicians, and artists. I remember sitting in the theatre, completely in awe as the lights dimmed and a performance began. Even as an audience member, you felt part of something larger like you were witnessing your friends step into their fullest selves. That was inspiring in its own way.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
One of the best things about Brentwood was how easy it was to get involved in things outside the classroom. I joined volunteer club and a couple of wellness workshops, and those experiences stretched me in unexpected ways. It wasn’t about being the best or winning, it was about trying, showing up and making impact and discovering that you had something valuable to add.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Even though I wasn’t always a full time boarder, I spent enough evenings in the dorms to know how special that community was. Dorm life was a mix of laughter, music playing from someone’s room, and last-minute group study sessions. Some of my closest friendships grew out of those late-night conversations where we shared snacks and stories that made us feel less alone.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining hall was one of the heartbeats of campus. Meals weren’t just about food obviously, they were about gathering. Whether it was trying out international dishes or just enjoying comfort food on a long study day, the conversations that happened at those tables often carried more weight than any formal class. I miss those unplanned moments of connection.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The surrounding area gave us space to breathe outside of school life. On weekends, I loved simple things like walking by the water, grabbing a coffee in town, or taking a short trip with friends to explore Vancouver Island. It wasn’t flashy, but it was grounding, and that balance between campus intensity and local calm was perfect.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Social life at Brentwood was about genuine connections. It wasn’t about how many people you knew but about finding those few friends who felt like family. Some of my favorite memories are small ones like laughing until our sides hurt in the common room, helping a friend prepare for a presentation, or late-night conversations where we shared our biggest hopes.
Read more details about Brentwood College School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Walking into Brentwood College School for the first time felt like stepping into a world that was both inspiring and welcoming. The campus itself is unforgettable, i mean the ocean views, the salty air, and. . .
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. . .
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