Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025-26 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
What makes Branksome Hall stand out compared to other boarding schools is its ability to cultivate leaders in multiple arenas whether that’s in classrooms, on the stage, or in my case, on the water. The school doesn’t force you to choose between being an athlete, a leader, or a scholar. It creates an environment where you can be all three, and thrive in each. For me, rowing was a huge part of my Branksome experience, but so was stepping into leadership as the Admissions and Assemblies Prefect. The unique balance Branksome encourages discipline from athletics, curiosity from academics, and confidence from leadership is what shaped me most.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me at Branksome was finding my voice. Through rowing and leadership, I learned how to lead under pressure, motivate others, and step into spaces where confidence and compassion were equally required. I’ve grown tremendously as a person. I think I'm more disciplined, more resilient, and more open to challenges.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I could go back, I’d remind myself not to be afraid of failure. The setbacks, whether in races or academics, were what ultimately built me up. My advice to future students is say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I liked most about Branksome was the balance. It didn’t make me choose between being an athlete, a leader, or a scholar. It let me be all of them, and supported me in excelling in each area.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
For incoming students lean into the community. Branksome is filled with people who will push you, support you, and celebrate you. My favorite snack was definitely the muffins post-practice, and if you ever need a place to feel inspired, head to the boathouse. That’s where discipline, community, and dreams come together.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Academically, Branksome’s IB program gave me rigor and discipline, but what I loved most was the way teachers encouraged us to think beyond the syllabus. I fell in love with history through engaging discussions and unique perspectives in my HL History course. Teachers didn’t just teach content as they pushed us to connect the past to current global issues. That curiosity is what inspired me to pursue History at Brown. I felt like my academic interests weren’t just acknowledged, but nurtured in ways that prepared me for the intensity of university-level work.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Rowing at Branksome isn’t just a sport, it’s a culture. The program is demanding, no question about it, but it fosters resilience, teamwork, and leadership like nothing else. As a coxswain, I learned to literally use my voice to lead, motivate, and guide my crew. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in sport. The facilities and coaching at Branksome gave me the tools to compete at a national and international level, and the friendships built within the team are some of the strongest bonds I’ve ever had.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Even though most of my time was spent with athletics and leadership, I always admired how the arts flourished at Branksome. Whether it was going to a theatre production or supporting friends in music recitals, the creativity on campus was inspiring. It reminded me that Branksome isn’t one-dimensional. It encourages girls to explore their passions in any form, and that inclusivity was something I valued deeply.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
My prefect role gave me a unique vantage point into student life. Organizing and leading assemblies brought me closer to all the different groups and clubs at Branksome. I was constantly inspired by my peers whether it was activism through the GSA, community service projects, or cultural clubs. The extracurriculars weren’t just a way to “fill time”; they were places to genuinely grow, connect, and lead.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Living in residence added another layer to my experience. Balancing 4:00 a.m. rowing practices with late-night study sessions wouldn’t have been possible without the support and understanding of dorm life. There’s a sense of community when you live alongside girls who are also chasing big goals, you cheer each other on through the wins and help each other through the tough days. My dorm truly became a second family.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining hall was an anchor in our day. Whether it was grabbing breakfast before heading to the boathouse or sharing dinner after a long practice, meals became moments of connection. I appreciated that there were healthy options to keep up with training demands, but also enough variety to make it enjoyable. And yes, muffins and hot chocolate after morning rows were a ritual!
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Being in Toronto was incredible. The city gave us access to culture, food, and opportunities that many other schools just don’t have. From museums to sporting events to just walking around downtown with friends, Toronto made me feel connected to the wider world. It was especially meaningful as a rower to be so close to waterways and training spaces
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social life at Branksome is woven into everything that is sports, clubs, dorms, classes. Because it’s such a diverse and international school, you’re constantly exposed to new perspectives and friendships that broaden your worldview. My closest friends came from rowing and residence, but I also loved how the prefect role connected me to students across all grades.
Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025-26 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Branksome Hall taught me early that being an international student isn’t a limitation rather it’s a strength. Moving from Branksome Hall Asia to Toronto in Grade 9, I came with uncertainty, but Branksome welcomed me. . .
Branksome Hall stands out because of how it pushes you to grow both inside and outside the classroom. For me, the unique combination of the IB curriculum and the encouragement to connect academics with personal. . .
Branksome Hall has been so much more than just a school for me; it’s been the place where I found both my confidence and my voice. I think what makes Branksome unique compared to other. . .
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