The 50-page review of Brentwood College School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"Located on a spectacular oceanfront campus on Vancouver Island in BC, Canada, Brentwood is a progressive, co-ed boarding school for Grades 9 to 12 well suited to globally-minded students who embrace our values of grit and joy. Student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends the School. This creates a supportive community of students from over 50 countries who gain the independence and skills to succeed in the post-secondary world."
Boarding is at the heart of the Brentwood experience, building relationships and connections.
Choice is a theme embedded in the philosophy underpinning our enrolment, boarding, and courses.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Brentwood is a unique place of learning that gives students the choices and opportunities they need to discover their passions. We harness the power of a boarding environment to...(more)
"Brentwood is a unique place of learning that gives students the choices and opportunities they need to discover their passions. We harness the power of a boarding environment to build strong relationships throughout our fully engaged, authentic, and inclusive community. Choice plays a large part in a student’s journey at Brentwood. Choice is a theme embedded in the philosophy underpinning our enrolment process, boarding culture, course options, and post-secondary opportunities."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"The school’s admissions policy is selective, focusing on students who genuinely want to be there and who can handle rigorous academics, which means it’s not the right fit for...(more)
"The school’s admissions policy is selective, focusing on students who genuinely want to be there and who can handle rigorous academics, which means it’s not the right fit for everyone. The requirement for students to engage fully across academic, artistic, and athletic programs can be challenging for those seeking a more specialized or less integrated experience. However, this tradeoff ensures graduates are balanced and resilient, something families value deeply."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Brentwood is ideal for students who have a genuine desire to attend and the potential to thrive in a university-prep program. They should be open to fully engaging in a balanced...(more)
"Brentwood is ideal for students who have a genuine desire to attend and the potential to thrive in a university-prep program. They should be open to fully engaging in a balanced curriculum that includes academics, arts, and athletics. Students who appreciate community living, are comfortable with some geographical isolation, and are excited by experiential, interdisciplinary learning will flourish here. It’s a good fit for those who want to be challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow as whole individuals."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"At the core of the Brentwood philosophy is how we provide our students with meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in academics, arts, and athletics. This is our Tripartite...(more)
"At the core of the Brentwood philosophy is how we provide our students with meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in academics, arts, and athletics. This is our Tripartite Program—balanced, intentional, and designed to support both student success and student wellness. Our evidence-based approach to learning, as expressed in the Brentwood timetable, offers academic classes in the morning—all morning—followed by alternating afternoons of arts and athletics."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Brentwood is seen as a forward-thinking environment that is more than just a prestigious private school. It is respected nationally and internationally for its academic quality,...(more)
"Brentwood is seen as a forward-thinking environment that is more than just a prestigious private school. It is respected nationally and internationally for its academic quality, boarding experience, and commitment to developing well-rounded students. The school is known for its picturesque campus and strong community ethos but also for its innovative, integrated curriculum and experiential approach."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We recognize the importance of having support structures in place for all aspects of student life. Facilities and programs to support students’ mental and physical wellness can...(more)
"We recognize the importance of having support structures in place for all aspects of student life. Facilities and programs to support students’ mental and physical wellness can be found in all corners of the campus as well as throughout the school calendar. We continually strive to help our students understand and find solutions to the challenges they face."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"One in four students at Brentwood are here wholly or in part thanks to financial aid. That surprises families quite often."
"One in four students at Brentwood are here wholly or in part thanks to financial aid. That surprises families quite often."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Gr. 11 to Gr. 12 — Having been from Vancouver originally and always having an analytical bent, I was drawn to Brentwood originally because of its great reputation for STEM and business courses. But what really cinched the deal for the school was a visit over Regatta weekend. I remember being struck not just by the coast village quaintness of Mill Bay, but also by the observation that students seemed so intently focused on whatever they were working on, whether managing concession stands as part of their Entrepreneurship class, supporting their rowing clubs, or constructing elaborate art installations in the Centre for Arts. I required a school that did not place students in a box. At Brentwood, I saw students doing math problems on one day and performing in musicals the next. That balance spoke to me. I knew that I could develop my interest in mathematics and statistics, and develop new ones.
And in good conscience, I'd heard from several third- and fourth-years, one of whom went on to study Actuarial Science like I'd originally planned, about how incredibly individualized Brentwood's university counseling was. That really sealed the decision for my family and me.
Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — When I think back to my time at Brentwood, I remember the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. Coming from a very different background, I didn’t know what to expect at first. But I quickly found a home, especially in Mack House, where we were more like family than just dormmates. Our houseparents, especially Mr. Robinson, made it special. I still smile thinking about the nights we were on duty and he’d surprise us with tea and snacks while checking in on how our classes were going. Brentwood gave me so many opportunities, from the ceramics studio where I won the H.O. Smith Bowl, to being a prefect and learning what real leadership means. It wasn’t always easy, the academic pace was fast, and sometimes I missed home, but I never felt alone. The support was always there, whether it came from teachers like Mr. Garvey or friends from all over the world.
If I could change one thing, I’d say I wish there had been more open conversations about mental health at the time. But looking at the school now, I see they’ve been improving on that front.
Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — My experiences as a Brentonian were STELLAR. However, adjusting to boarding school life can be challenging. Also, classes on Saturday mornings were an adjustment. The canteen food was decent but has a tendency to get boring after a while. Prospective students should know that networking is a big part of going to Brentwood. You run shoulders with a lot of important people's kids, and you will get opportunities others won't, and you will get a better education to boot. A lot of those opportunities come about through having good connections. Life isn't all about what you know but who you know. I think Brentwood did a fantastic job of teaching us the importance of being well-rounded and working in balance within our day-to-day schedule. I have always loved how each day was broken into sections, with academics in the morning and then arts or sports in the afternoon, followed by academics in the evenings. This routine of breaking up the day is something I carried through into college.
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