Read more details about Brentwood College School on their 2025-26 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
When I joined Brentwood, I expected a beautiful campus with strong academics but what I didn鈥檛 expect was how much emphasis the school put on growing people. What鈥檚 unique about Brentwood is how close the student-body feels even though people come from many places. It鈥檚 a place where teachers know your name, coaches know your strengths and challenges, and where you鈥檙e encouraged to try things outside your comfort zone. Also, the outdoor culture (rowing, hikes, ocean, forests) is integrated into daily life, which made learning feel alive.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing I gained was confidence in my voice, in my thinking, in trying things I wasn鈥檛 sure I could do like writing for publications, running in competitions, stepping into leadership roles. Achievements like completing challenging courses, contributing to school events, and gradually speaking up in class felt more meaningful than any grade.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I could change anything, I鈥檇 try writing more, speak up even if I think I might flub. My advice to new students is don鈥檛 wait for perfect confidence but just start now. Also, when things get busy or overwhelming, prioritize rest and connection; those hold you steady.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I liked most was how Brentwood saw me as a full human, not just a student. They helped me grow academically, socially, ethically, emotionally. The balance between high expectations and strong support, the beauty of nature, the friendships, those are what made it special.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
For those coming to Brentwood is find your people, even if slowly. Join something that scares you a bit. Talk to teachers beyond class. Find a quiet spot, maybe a bench overlooking the ocean or a cabin in the woods for reflection. And make sure to laugh a lot. Those moments often matter more than the 鈥渟uccesses鈥 you plan.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Academics at Brentwood pushed me. What I liked most was how teachers pushed us to think, critique, ask 鈥渨hy not?鈥 rather than 鈥渉ow.鈥 In math and science, there were lab components, project work, and collaborative problem solving. And in writing or humanities, feedback was generous and clear with suggestions to improve style, structure, clarity, often in one-on-one or small group settings. That prepared me well, because coming into university, I felt more confident in reading, writing, and thinking than many peers.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Though I was never chasing varsity championships, sport was part of who I became at Brentwood. Early mornings, long practices, small improvements mattered. Running helped me build endurance, mental toughness, and community. Coaches were encouraging, they cheered improvements, even when they were small. It wasn鈥檛 always about winning; it was about effort, discipline, respect for teammates. I appreciated that.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
These weren鈥檛 my strongest areas, but I loved attending school plays, musical concerts, art shows. The stories told by peers, the drama productions, the art exhibitions gave me breaks from STEM or heavy reading. I also got a taste of design work by helping with program layout for plays or school events. Seeing the arts respected and not just as side-projects helped me understand that every student鈥檚 voice matters, whether in numbers or in paintbrush strokes.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I volunteered in peer tutoring, helping students with English or math, especially newcomers. I joined environmental cleanup events, occasionally helped organize guest speaker events for senior years, and also participated in the reading circle club. What I appreciated most was that Brentwood made sure there were extracurriculars, many of them, so if one route didn鈥檛 suit you, there were others. These experiences taught me responsibility (show up, plan ahead, coordinate with others), empathy, communication, and often helped me make lasting friendships.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, so I didn鈥檛 live in dorms regularly, but I spent time in residence during overnight retreats or when friends were boarding. From those moments, I saw how dorm life built self-reliance and community. Shared conversations, studying together in common rooms, roommate routines, these small things built closeness and taught flexibility. If I had boarded, I imagine I would value those shared routines even more because they shape who you become.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Dining halls at Brentwood were community hubs. Some of my best conversations happened over lunch or dinner with friends, with teachers, even with coaches. The food was decent, and there was variety; when there were special meal themes or culture-inspired meals, those felt like celebration. On busy days or before meets or big assignments, having reliable, comforting food meant a lot more than I thought it would.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Brentwood鈥檚 location gives you both serenity and access. Being by the ocean, surrounded by nature, meant weekend hikes, beach walks, or kayaking were possible and refreshing. At the same time, off-campus trips for caf茅s, study breaks, or small town exploration allowed us to catch breathing space outside school walls. That contrast between calm nature and accessible town life helped maintain perspective
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Social life at Brentwood was a blend of everything from house events, gatherings, themed nights to sports socials, but also impromptu study sessions, walks, sharing ideas in hallways. Because the school isn鈥檛 huge, you often see the same people across classes, grades, clubs which builds closeness. I remember anxieties as a younger student, but I always found someone approachable, older students or teachers who would check in. Those small kindnesses made a difference.
Read more details about Brentwood College School on their 2025-26 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
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When I reflect on my years at Brentwood, what stands out most is how the school pushed me not just to accumulate achievements, but to develop integrity, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. Coming from. . .
When I joined Brentwood, I expected a beautiful campus with strong academics but what I didn鈥檛 expect was how much emphasis the school put on growing people. What鈥檚 unique about Brentwood is how close the. . .
Brentwood College changed how I see what a school can do. It wasn鈥檛 just about collecting credits or making it to graduation but it was about being forged by wind, water, and community. What makes. . .
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