Brentwood College School - Review #5

When I think about Brentwood, the first word that comes to mind is opportunity. Coming from Revelstoke, stepping onto a campus by the ocean was already a huge change. But Brentwood pushed me to grow in every possible way: academically, athletically, and personally. What made Brentwood unique compared to other schools was its tripartite program and that is the balance of academics, arts, and athletics. You weren’t just told to pick one thing and specialize; you were encouraged to explore all three deeply, even if you had no prior experience. That structure shaped me into someone who could juggle science labs, a basketball practice, and a theatre rehearsal all in one day. The other thing that stood out was the house system. I was in Rogers House, and living with a group of guys who became brothers is something I’ll always carry with me. Our Houseparent, Mr. Patel, knew every one of us personally. he could tell when you were having a rough week and when you needed a push. It made Brentwood feel less like “just” a school, and more like a home by the ocean.

The best thing that happened to me at Brentwood was discovering my voice. Between Debate Club, Grad Council, and basketball, I became more confident in who I am and what I can contribute. Getting accepted into the University of Toronto for Life Sciences felt like a natural continuation of everything I’d built at Brentwood.

If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to not be afraid to try more in the arts program because I sometimes stuck to what I was comfortable with. My advice for incoming students is Brentwood will give you more opportunities than you can imagine. Say yes, even when it’s scary.

You don’t have to choose between academics, athletics, or arts. You get to do all three, and do them well. Brentwood makes you well-rounded without sacrificing depth.

dive in. Join a team, try a club, volunteer for a project. The more you put into Brentwood, the more you’ll get out of it. Also, don’t skip out on weekend brunch. And if you ever end up in Rogers House, take the time to appreciate the brotherhood you’ll build there.

Academically, Brentwood is rigorous in the best way. Classes are small, so teachers know you as more than a number. I gravitated toward biology and chemistry, and Dr. Li’s passion for molecular biology really solidified my decision to pursue Life Sciences at U of T. What I liked most was the focus on critical thinking. Instead of just memorizing, we were constantly challenged to make connections and apply concepts. Labs were interactive and often linked to real-world issues whether it was looking at climate change’s effect on ecosystems or exploring bioethics in gene editing. That approach made science not just a subject, but something alive and exciting.

Brentwood requires every student to be involved in athletics, which was something I came to appreciate deeply. The sports facilities are phenomenal with the new gym, the rowing boathouse, and the fields by the ocean are some of the best in Canada. Even though I wasn’t a rower, I was always inspired watching the crews head out in the early mornings. My main sport was basketball. Practices were intense but motivating, and the spirit of the team was unmatched. We learned discipline and resilience, but also how to have fun. Brentwood’s athletics program taught me that sport wasn’t just about competition rather it was about balance, mental health, and community.

Even though I didn’t major in arts, Brentwood makes sure you are exposed to them. I took part in visual arts workshops and supported friends in theatre productions. The energy in the T. Gil Bunch Centre during opening night is something every Brentwood student should experience, it’s proof of how invested the school is in creativity.

I was part of Grad Council in Grade 12, which gave me the chance to help plan school-wide events like Winter Formal. Those moments taught me responsibility, teamwork, and leadership in a very real way. Brentwood also emphasized service learning, which I took seriously. I volunteered with our local food bank initiative and environmental cleanup projects along Mill Bay. Working alongside classmates and teachers in these projects showed me that service isn’t an “extra” at Brentwood, it’s central to who we are as a community.

Dorm life at Rogers House was one of the most defining experiences. You learn independence quickly by managing your own laundry, schedule, and personal space but you also gain a family. Late-night conversations with dorm mates, group study sessions before exams, or celebrating birthdays in the common room, those moments made me feel rooted. I especially remember our Houseparent, Mr. Patel, making sure everyone felt included. From open-door policies to spontaneous pizza nights, he built a culture of trust.

The dining hall at Brentwood is something students often underestimate until they leave. The meals were consistently diverse, healthy, and reflective of different cultures. I loved “Taco Tuesdays” and the weekend brunches. Eating together wasn’t just about food but it was where you bonded with people outside your classes or house.

Mill Bay is quiet, but that’s part of its charm. Being so close to the water was grounding such that I’d often walk along the shoreline to clear my head. The nearby coffee shops became go-to spots for weekend downtime, and Victoria was close enough for bigger outings when we wanted a taste of city life.

The social life at Brentwood is vibrant because everyone is so engaged. Whether it’s cheering on the rowing team at Brentwood Regatta, attending arts nights, or simply hanging out in the common room, there’s always something happening. One memory that stands out was Spirit Week when everyone dressed up, cheered, and genuinely had fun together. It reminded me how unique Brentwood’s community is.