Brentwood College School - Review #6

When I think about Brentwood, the first word that comes to mind is community. The school isn’t just about academics or sports, it’s about living and learning together in a way that pushes you to grow every single day. Brentwood’s unique schedule of mornings for classes and afternoons for arts or athletics gave me a balance I didn’t even realize I needed until I got to medical school. The fact that your “school day” is structured to let you explore every part of yourself from sciences in the morning to playing sports or being on stage in the afternoon is something I haven’t seen anywhere else. That rhythm shaped me into someone who could balance hard work with passion.

The best thing that happened to me at Brentwood was realizing I wanted to pursue medicine. It wasn’t one single moment it was the accumulation of conversations with teachers, experiences in science labs, and leadership opportunities that gave me clarity. Brentwood changed me from someone who was uncertain and a bit shy into someone confident in her abilities and ready to take risks.

If I could do one thing differently, it would be to trust myself earlier. I spent too much of Grade 10 doubting whether I belonged in academics, in sports, in leadership when in fact the support was always there. My advice to new students is dive in, even when you feel unsure. Brentwood has a way of catching you when you fall.

The people. Hands down. From teachers who believed in me, to friends who became family, to coaches who pushed me harder than I thought possible .Brentwood is defined by its community.

If you’re visiting Brentwood, don’t just look at the ocean view though it’s breathtaking, pay attention to the small interactions happening around you. A Grade 12 holding the door for a Grade 9. A teacher stopping in the hall to check in. Those are the moments that make Brentwood what it is. And if you end up in Rogers House — cherish taco nights in the common room. They’ll be some of your best memories.

Brentwood academics are tough, but in the best way. My biology and chemistry teachers never let me take the easy way out. They expected us to ask questions, to think critically, and to keep going even when the material got overwhelming. It’s no exaggeration to say that those classes laid the foundation for my path into medicine. The workload could feel heavy at times, but the support was always there: extra help sessions, office hours, and even late-night review groups in the dorms. Looking back, I realize Brentwood didn’t just prepare me for university-level science, it prepared me for the resilience and self-discipline that medicine demands.

Athletics at Brentwood were an anchor for me. I played soccer, but also tried rowing something I’d never done before arriving at the school. I’ll never forget those early mornings on the water exhausted, cold, and yet strangely exhilarated. That culture of commitment and team-first attitude has stuck with me. Brentwood’s facilities are outstanding, but it’s the coaches who make the difference. They don’t just teach you the sport ,they teach you character.

I wasn’t a “theatre kid” when I arrived, but Brentwood’s arts program has a way of pulling everyone in. I remember being roped into helping with set design for one of the musicals, and what surprised me most was how inclusive it was. Whether you were a lead actor or just painting backdrops, you were part of the magic. That experience opened me up creatively and reminded me that there are so many different ways to express yourself, a lesson that still helps me today when I need balance from the intensity of medical studies.

The opportunities at Brentwood felt endless. From student parliament to Model UN to service trips, there was always something to do. I particularly loved the mentorship program where Grade 12s were paired with younger students ,I had a Grade 9 mentee in Rogers House, and watching her grow in confidence made me realize how powerful small acts of encouragement can be. Those experiences gave me a sense of responsibility to others, something that’s become central to why I chose medicine.

Living in Rogers House, I found my second family. Dorm parents like Ms. Morrison created an environment that felt safe and warm, even when the workload was high or homesickness hit. Late-night study sessions in the common room, shared snacks smuggled back from the cafeteria, and endless conversations with housemates made the dorm the heart of my Brentwood experience. Those girls are still some of my closest friends.

The dining hall at Brentwood deserves its own review. Honestly, we were spoiled. The variety of food from healthy options to comfort meals made you look forward to meals. I still remember taco nights and the stir-fry bar. More than the food, though, it was the sense of community. Sitting down at a table with people from different grades, different houses, even different continents, that’s where so many of the best conversations happened.

Mill Bay is quiet, but that’s what makes Brentwood special. You’re surrounded by ocean, mountains, and forest, and that kind of environment grounds you. On weekends we’d walk into town for coffee or snacks, and it always felt like a safe, welcoming place. The campus itself almost feels like its own little world, but having Mill Bay just down the road was comforting.

Social life at Brentwood is woven into everything. Between house events, school-wide traditions, and spontaneous hangouts in the café or common rooms, it never felt lonely. I remember Spirit Week being a highlight every year the whole school coming alive with costumes, cheers, and competitions. There’s something really special about a community where everyone knows your name, but you’re also constantly meeting new people from all over the world.