Brentwood College School - Review #4

What makes Brentwood truly unique compared to other boarding schools is its approach that is the equal emphasis on academics, arts, and athletics. At most schools, one of those areas tends to dominate, but at Brentwood they are treated as three equal pillars of student life. This meant that I never felt like I had to sacrifice one interest for another. I could pursue challenging academics while still devoting time to the arts and even try my hand at athletics. That balance gave me a more well-rounded experience and helped me discover new strengths. Another feature that sets Brentwood apart is its campus. The school is built right on the ocean, and it feels more like a university campus than a traditional high school. The architecture is modern, the facilities are purpose-built, and the ocean is literally steps away from classrooms, dorms, and the dining hall. It creates an environment that is both inspiring and peaceful, you can go from a math class to a painting studio with a view of the water, and then down to the docks to watch a regatta. The setting itself becomes part of your education and daily rhythm, and I think that’s something very few schools can offer.

The best thing that happened to me at Brentwood was discovering my confidence as both a student and a person. I arrived shy, unsure of myself, and worried about fitting in as an international student. By the time I graduated, I felt ready to take on university and new challenges. My biggest achievement was performing in a school theatre production and later being awarded recognition in the visual arts program, it felt like validation that my passions were valuable.

I would have joined more activities earlier on instead of hesitating. My advice to future students is simple say yes more often. Brentwood is full of opportunities, and you won’t regret trying them.

What I liked most about Brentwood was the balance. I never felt like I had to choose between academics, arts, or athletics but the school encouraged me to develop all sides of myself. And beyond that, the sense of community is something I’ll never forget. The people truly made the place.

To incoming students: be open to everything. Whether it’s trying a sport you’ve never heard of, auditioning for a play, or joining a club, Brentwood will surprise you with what you’re capable of. Don’t hide in your comfort zone. Also, don’t skip the chance to watch a sunrise by the boathouse, it’s one of the most beautiful sights on campus. And if you ever get homesick, know that you’re not alone, the community here will lift you up.

The academics at Brentwood are demanding, but they are also incredibly rewarding. What stood out most to me was how teachers went beyond simply delivering content as they really tried to connect with us as people and pushed us to think independently. The class sizes were small enough that discussions were lively and engaging, and I never felt like just another face in the room. I particularly enjoyed English and history, because they challenged me to look at the world through new perspectives and sharpened my analytical writing skills, skills I rely on every day as an Arts student at McGill. The workload was serious, but I never felt unsupported. Teachers were always willing to meet after class or provide feedback on drafts. The encouragement to think critically rather than memorize facts is what I value most.

Even though athletics wasn’t my main passion, I came to appreciate how central sports are to Brentwood’s culture. The facilities are modern and well cared for, and the spirit around games and regattas was infectious. Rowing, in particular, is a defining part of Brentwood life. While I wasn’t on the competitive team, I did take a recreational rowing block, and there was something magical about being out on the water early in the morning with the mist rising over the inlet. The expectation that every student participates in some form of physical activity actually helped me discover new ways to stay active and healthy, which I now carry with me.

For me, this was the heart of my Brentwood experience. The arts program is not treated as an “extra” here but it’s on equal footing with academics and athletics, which makes it very special. The visual arts studios are bright and open, with views of the ocean that always inspired creativity. Teachers encouraged experimentation, whether that meant large canvases, sculpture, or even digital art. I also loved the collaboration across disciplines seeing musicians and theatre students prepare for a show while we worked on set design or promotional artwork gave me a sense of being part of something larger. One highlight was performing in a school theatre production; it was nerve-wracking but unforgettable. Brentwood gave me the confidence to pursue my artistic side seriously and to see it as a valid, meaningful path.

The range of extracurricular opportunities was impressive. I participated in the debate club , which pushed me to develop strong public speaking skills and a deeper understanding of world issues. There were also volunteer projects both on and off campus. I helped with a local shoreline cleanup, which tied into the school’s emphasis on environmental stewardship and the beauty of our surroundings. Brentwood makes it easy to get involved in areas you’re passionate about, but it also nudges you to try things you might not have chosen on your own.

Living in residence was a huge part of my Brentwood experience. Coming from Mexico, it was my first time living away from home, and dorm life quickly became my second family. My dorm was tight-knit; we’d have late-night conversations, group study sessions, and even little celebrations for birthdays. The dorm parents were approachable and caring, and I always felt like I had adults looking out for me. The rooms were cozy, and while not luxurious, they were comfortable and felt like “home” after a while. Some of my closest friendships started in the hallways of my dorm, and those bonds have lasted well beyond graduation.

The food at Brentwood was surprisingly good for a boarding school. There was variety plenty of healthy options but also comfort foods when you needed them. As someone far from home, I really appreciated when international dishes were featured. It made me feel seen and connected. The cafeteria was also a social hub, where you could sit with friends, meet people from other grades, and decompress after a busy day.

Mill Bay itself is a small, quiet town, but its natural beauty is incredible. For a student from Cancun, I found the landscape so different and refreshing, the ocean, the forests, and even the cool misty mornings became part of my daily rhythm. Trips into Victoria were fun when we wanted more variety, but honestly, the campus had everything we needed most of the time.

The social life at Brentwood was very community-oriented. There was always something happening whether it was a house event, a performance, a regatta, or just hanging out by the waterfront. Because the campus is compact, you see people all the time, and that constant interaction makes it easy to form strong friendships. I loved that social life wasn’t discriminative, there was room for everyone, whether you were into sports, arts, or academics.