Branksome Hall - Review #2

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 passions made the school different from anywhere else. I was able to take my love for figure skating and connect it to physics experiments and kinesiology research projects. Branksome also puts a big focus on community whether through athletics councils, clubs, or service initiatives which really shaped my experience.

The best thing that happened to me in boarding school was realizing that I could take on challenges much bigger than I thought possible. Founding “Lace Up for Liz” taught me the power of turning grief into purpose, and the Branksome community showed me that I wasn’t alone in doing so.

If I could do anything differently, it would be to stress less in Grade 9 and trust that I would find my footing. My advice to new students would be take risks early, say yes to opportunities, and don’t be afraid to lean on the community, you’ll be surprised at how much support you’ll find.

I loved how Branksome sparked my love for learning and encouraged me to pursue challenges, whether in academics, athletics, or leadership. The sense of support and community is something I’ll never forget.

For visiting or incoming students take a walk through the athletics center, and definitely check out the chapel, it’s such a central and calming space on campus. And don’t underestimate the dining hall’s pasta bar; it was always a highlight. Above all, bring your curiosity and your courage, you’ll need both, and Branksome will give you the tools to grow them.

The academic program is a bit tough, but it was also one of the most rewarding parts of Branksome. I loved how the teachers encouraged us to look beyond the syllabus and make connections to the real world. For example, I got to study rotational dynamics in physics and immediately apply it to my skating. The workload was definitely heavy at times, but it prepared me really well for university-level courses and made me a more resilient, curious learner.

Athletics were a huge part of my life at Branksome. While skating was my main passion, I also competed in track and cross-country. What I loved most was the culture of support, you didn’t have to be the best athlete to feel like you belonged. Coaches like Ms. Shewfelt and Mr. Young always reminded us that effort and attitude mattered just as much as performance.

Although I wasn’t as involved in arts as some of my friends, I always admired how much Branksome invested in those programs. Some of my closest friends were part of the theatre productions, and I loved going to see them perform. The quality of teaching and the facilities gave students the chance to really express themselves creatively, which was inspiring to be around.

Extracurricular life at Branksome was diverse. I was part of Athletics Council, but I also got to attend Model UN conferences and see how global issues were debated. What I appreciated most was that Branksome never limited you to one area, you could be an athlete, a scientist, and a leader all at once. That balance of opportunities is rare.

As a day student, I didn’t live in residence, but many of my friends did. I always admired how close-knit the boarding community was, and how dorm staff worked to make it feel like home for international students.

The dining hall had a good mix of healthy and comfort foods. I remember pasta days being everyone’s favorite. Even though I wasn’t boarding, I often ate meals with friends, and it always felt communal and warm.

Branksome is right in the heart of Toronto, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Being in the city gave us access to so many cultural experiences like museums, theatres, guest speakers that students in smaller towns might not have. At the same time, the campus itself felt like a quiet, green bubble where you could retreat from the city when you needed to.

Social life at Branksome was very supportive. Because it’s an all-girls’ school, there was a real sense of community and solidarity. Of course, like any school, you had friend groups, but overall people were encouraging and wanted to see each other succeed. For me, the connections I made with teammates, council members, and teachers are friendships I know I’ll carry into the future.