Brentwood College School - Review #1

What made Brentwood stand out for me wasn’t just the stunning oceanfront campus or the obvious focus on excellence, it was how the school deliberately pushes you to grow in every dimension of your life. Brentwood doesn’t let you be “just” a good student or “just” an athlete or artist. It’s a place that expects you to take part in multiple worlds and discover connections you didn’t know existed. That integration of academics, athletics, and the arts is unique. From the very beginning, teachers and house parents encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. I was used to focusing heavily on academics, but at Brentwood you’re equally expected to try rowing, join a debate, step into a service project, or even attend a weekend art show. That kind of expectation might sound intimidating, but over time it made me realize how much I was capable of. It’s not just a school but it’s a launchpad for all kinds of growth.

The best thing that happened to me at Brentwood was realizing how strong and capable I really was. From stepping into leadership roles to pushing myself in sports and academics, I left the school with a confidence I didn’t have before. I also grew in resilience, I learned that failure isn’t the end, it’s just part of the process.

I’d tell myself not to hold back in the early months. I’d remind myself to dive in fully, to take risks sooner, and to embrace all the opportunities instead of waiting to familiarize. My advice to anyone entering Brentwood is you’ll never feel completely ready, so jump in anyway.

What I loved most about Brentwood was how complete the experience was. It didn’t just prepare me academically; it prepared me to live a balanced, ambitious, and purposeful life. The combination of the campus, the people, and the philosophy of pushing students to be well-rounded is something rare and deeply valuable.

If you’re visiting or about to start at Brentwood, make sure you walk down to the waterfront at sunrise at least once, it’s something you’ll never forget. Take advantage of the traditions, say yes to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to lean on your house parents or teachers when you need support. My favorite snack at the café was The Cookie, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find it stocked after a long practice.

The academics at Brentwood were intense, but what I appreciated most was how the teachers treated us like capable adults who could handle both independence and accountability. The variety of classes ranging from advanced sciences to literature, social studies, and electives meant I could explore without feeling boxed in. I particularly enjoyed how subjects were connected to real-world applications. For example, in physics, we weren’t just memorizing material but we were applying theories to current events and even our personal lives. The competitive environment was real, but it wasn’t that tight. Instead, it was motivating. Everyone around you wanted to succeed, and that collective drive lifted you higher. The teachers went out of their way to ensure we weren’t just chasing grades but actually understanding and internalizing concepts. This academic culture made me feel prepared, not just for university, but for life beyond the classroom.

Athletics at Brentwood are impossible to ignore as they’re woven into the DNA of the school. Even if you’re not naturally athletic, there’s a place for you to get involved, whether that’s rowing, soccer, rugby, or a less conventional sport. For me, it was track. At first, the early mornings and intense practices seemed overwhelming, but gradually they became some of the most memorable parts of my day. Our coaches weren’t just about winning but they instilled values of persistence, resilience, and teamwork. I still remember Coach telling us, “It’s not about being the strongest rower or the fastest runner; it’s about showing up for your team.” That ethos changed how I approached challenges outside of sports as well. The facilities were incredible, and the sense of pride in representing Brentwood in competitions gave me a confidence I never had before.

Even though athletics took up a lot of my time, I made sure to stay connected to Brentwood’s arts community. It’s one of the things that makes the school unique, you’re constantly surrounded by creativity, whether it’s a theatre production, a jazz concert, or an art exhibition in the atrium. I loved attending plays that my friends were acting in, and even when I wasn’t directly on stage, I found ways to contribute behind the scenes. The quality of instruction was on another level. Teachers in the arts treated their disciplines with the same seriousness as any academic subject, which showed us that creativity deserves respect and rigor. Being part of an audience that celebrated classmates’ artistry made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself.

Volunteering at Brentwood was one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. I participated in volunterring, which connected us directly with the broader community on Vancouver Island. Whether we were organizing charity events, helping at local shelters, or raising awareness about global issues, the experience was eye-opening. Student organizations also gave me a chance to take risks and pursue passions I might not have discovered otherwise. Being part of volunteer club challenged me to think critically and creatively, and working alongside people from so many different backgrounds was inspiring. What I liked most was how extracurriculars were treated with the same level of seriousness as classes or sports. They weren’t just “add-ons”—they were central to what it meant to be a Brentwood student.

Dorm life was a huge part of my Brentwood story. Living in residence meant that school didn’t end when classes were over, it was truly a 24/7 community. At first, it felt intimidating to share space with so many people, but quickly I realized how strong those bonds could become. Late-night conversations, group study sessions, and even the occasional dorm prank made it feel like a second family. House parents were more than supervisors, they were mentors who looked out for us as people, not just as students. Dorm competitions, house dinners, and celebrations built traditions that I’ll never forget. That sense of belonging is something I’ll carry with me for life.

The dining hall was another unexpected highlight. The food was consistently good, with enough variety that meals never felt repetitive. More importantly, the cafeteria became a social hub. Breakfasts before class and dinners after practice were when we came together, swapped stories, and recharged. What I liked most about dining at Brentwood was how it brought everyone together. Teachers would often sit with students, and it blurred the lines between authority and friendship in a really healthy way.

Brentwood’s location on Vancouver Island is breathtaking. The campus itself sits right on the water, which made everyday life feel like something out of a movie. Beyond the campus, nearby Mill Bay and Duncan gave us little escapes like cafes, shops, and hikes that became favorite weekend activities. The island environment gave me perspective. It was peaceful and grounding, which balanced the intensity of academics and athletics. It’s a unique setting compared to city schools, you can literally walk out of class and be at the ocean within minutes. That connection to nature was something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it.

The social life at Brentwood was incredibly rich. Between sports teams, arts performances, dorm events, and school traditions, there was always something happening. What I liked most was how easy it was to build friendships across grades. You weren’t just friends with people in your class but you connected with older and younger students too. There was a healthy balance between organized events (like dances, spirit weeks, or dorm competitions) and organic moments, like hanging out by the waterfront or studying together late at night. Those connections shaped me as much as academics did.