Brentwood College School - Review #3

What stood out most about my school was its balance of strong academics with a supportive community. It wasn’t the kind of place where you were left on your own to figure things out as teachers and dorm staff were invested in making sure you succeeded, both in your studies and in your personal growth. The campus itself also felt unique. With its mix of historic and modern buildings, it created an atmosphere that encouraged focus while also fostering creativity. You always felt part of something bigger than yourself.

The best thing that happened to me in boarding school was realizing I wanted to pursue a career in the sciences. Being exposed to advanced classes and hands-on opportunities sparked that passion.

If I could do anything differently, I would’ve joined the debate team sooner. At first, I was nervous about public speaking, but once I tried it, I gained so much confidence. My advice to future students: don’t hold back from trying something new, even if it feels intimidating at first.

What I loved most was the balance between academics and community. I never felt like I had to sacrifice one for the other, you could push yourself academically while also building friendships and having fun.

For visiting students: don’t miss the science labs—they were some of the most inspiring spaces on campus.Favorite snack at the cafeteria? Definitely the muffins at breakfast (blueberry was the best).As for dorms, I’d recommend choosing one where the house spirit is strong. It makes the experience that much richer, because those traditions and bonds stay with you.

The academics were the highlight of my boarding school experience. I loved the variety and depth of science courses offered, from biology and chemistry to advanced electives that felt like a taste of university. Teachers weren’t just good in their fields but they were also approachable and encouraged curiosity. I particularly appreciated how collaborative the learning environment was. You weren’t competing against your peers, but instead pushing each other forward. That spirit carried me into university feeling prepared for both the workload and the independence.

Athletics were an important part of the culture. Even though I wasn’t a varsity athlete, I enjoyed being part of recreational teams and intramurals. The school emphasized participation, which made sports feel less intimidating. The facilities were excellent, and coaches were dedicated to making sure everyone, from competitive athletes to casual players felt included. Playing volleyball recreationally was a great outlet for stress after long study days.

I wasn’t heavily involved in the arts, but I admired how active the community was an how they did it. Friends of mine performed and the school gave them incredible opportunities to showcase their talents. Even for students who weren’t artists themselves, going to plays and concerts became part of school life. Those events brought everyone together, which I really valued.

The extracurriculars were incredibly diverse. Beyond student council and debate, I enjoyed the volunteer program, which connected us with local community initiatives. Spending time volunteering taught me how much impact students could have outside of campus walls, and it grounded my experience in something larger than academics.

Dorm life was one of the most memorable aspects of my boarding experience. Sharing a living space taught me independence and responsibility, but it also gave me friendships that I still keep today. There were late-night study sessions, movie nights, and plenty of conversations that stretched long past curfew. Having supportive dorm parents created a balance between structure and freedom, which helped me grow into my independence gradually.

The food was better than I thought would be for boarding school. The dining hall always had variety, and meals became an important social time where everyone could catch up. Breakfast was my favorite especially the homemade muffins and oatmeal bar. Small details like that made the cafeteria feel more welcoming and homey.

The surrounding town wasn’t large, but it was friendly and safe. On weekends, we’d walk into town for coffee or small outings. It wasn’t a place with tons of distractions, but in a way that was positive it made school events and friendships the center of our social lives.

The social life was shaped by community spirit. Because the school wasn’t massive, you got to know people across grades and interests. Whether it was sports games, house competitions, or simply hanging out in dorm lounges, there was always something happening. I liked that you didn’t have to fit into one group. Friendships often crossed between athletes, artists, and academics, which made for a more inclusive environment.