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 unique, compared to other schools, is the way it encourages students to connect their passions with real-world challenges. It’s not just about studying a subject for the sake of grades; it’s about applying what you learn to solve meaningful problems. For me, that meant having the chance to take my interest in science and engineering beyond the classroom, and actually build ideas and projects that could help people. That culture of curiosity and problem-solving is something I’ll carry forward into university and beyond.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The highlight of my Branksome journey was the Alzheimer’s app project. It showed me that even as a high school student, I could contribute ideas that might one day have real impact. That project, combined with leadership opportunities like co-chairing the World Affairs Conference, gave me confidence in my ability to lead and innovate.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Looking back, if I could change one thing, I would have reminded myself to slow down and enjoy the process more, rather than always looking ahead to the next challenge.My advice to future students: take advantage of every opportunity, even if it feels intimidating. Branksome will support you as you grow.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I loved most about Branksome was the way it combined academics with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and care. It was never just about grades or achievements but it was about becoming a whole person, ready to make a difference in the world.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
To incoming students: don’t be afraid to take risks and try things outside your comfort zone. Branksome is the perfect place to test your ideas, whether they’re in science, arts, or leadership. My personal favorite place on campus was the science labs. They were where I felt most at home, tinkering with ideas and collaborating with classmates. And for a quick snack, you can’t go wrong with hot chocolate on a cold winter morning, it became a little ritual that got me through some long IB days.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The IB curriculum at Branksome was rigorous, but what stood out to me most was the way teachers encouraged us to think critically, ask hard questions, and connect different fields of study. In classes like higher-level math and science, I was challenged daily, but I also had the freedom to pursue independent research projects, like my exploration of gene-editing and disease detection. Teachers were more than just instructors, they were mentors who genuinely cared about how we grew as thinkers and as people.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
While athletics were not the main focus of my Branksome experience, I valued the culture of participation. Rowing, soccer, and other sports were a big part of the school’s spirit, and even as someone more involved in science and conferences, I felt that athletics gave students balance and discipline. It was inspiring to see peers excel in sports while also managing the demands of the IB program.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Branksome has a vibrant arts community, and I always admired how seriously the school takes the creative side of education. For me, that meant finding inspiration in performances and exhibitions, which reminded me that creativity is central to innovation, even in STEM fields. Watching peers in theatre or visual arts encouraged me to think “outside the box” in my own projects.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Extracurriculars at Branksome gave me leadership opportunities that shaped me profoundly. Beyond science fairs, I learned how to work with diverse groups of people, how to listen, and how to inspire collaboration. Organizing conferences or working on group research taught me the importance of communication and adaptability, which I know will be vital in engineering and in any leadership role.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, but I was always impressed by how tight-knit the boarding community was. It really added to the international and multicultural feel of Branksome, and some of my closest friends came from the dorms.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Dining at Branksome was always lively. Meals became moments of connection, whether it was brainstorming for a project over lunch or catching up with friends between activities. The variety of food reflected the school’s international community, and I loved how inclusive and welcoming the dining hall felt.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Being in Toronto gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. From attending lectures at nearby universities to volunteering in the community, the city itself became an extension of our classroom. It was exciting to grow up in a place with so much diversity and innovation around me.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Branksome’s social life was inclusive and dynamic. Events like Spirit Week, school assemblies, and conferences created a sense of belonging, but so did the quieter moments, study groups, late-night planning sessions for conferences, and casual hangouts with friends. What I appreciated most was how easy it was to find your community, whether you were into arts, sports, sciences, or something in between.
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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