2735 Mount Baker Road, Mill Bay, British Columbia, V0R 2P1, Canada
20490 Porterfield Road, Caledon, Ontario, L7K1T2, Canada
2735 Mount Baker Road, Mill Bay, British Columbia, V0R 2P1, Canada
20490 Porterfield Road, Caledon, Ontario, L7K1T2, Canada
1923
2006
553
235
8 to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day, Homestay, Boarding
English
English
Academic
Sports
Liberal Arts
Traditional
16
6 to 18
$32,000 to $37,000
$13,500 to $22,100
$68,000 to $96,300
$44,600 to $49,600
Yes
Yes
27%
40%
9 to 12
7 to 12
$20,000
$2,500
111
16
80%
32%
0%
100%
9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
Brentwood was the first all-boys' boarding school in Canada to begin admitting girls, something that remains emblematic of the school's tradition of looking forward, actively anticipating a changing social context and the evolving needs of students. In the 1990s, Brentwood became one of the first schools in the country to make a substantial commitment to sustainable energy, building a performing arts centre with a geothermal loop for heating and cooling. The new dining hall and service centre, completed in 2010, continues that commitment while also providing an example to the student population. A current 10-year strategic development plan, launched in 2013, is as robust as it is comprehensive, providing a unified vision for the school as it embarks on its second century. Arts and athletics are emphasized, and the instructional day is organized in order to ensure that all students take active part in all aspects of curricular life. Brentwood is distinguished by a world-class rowing program that has produced a long list of Olympians, though academics remain the central focus. The program of pastoral care is integrated throughout the school, and begins within the student houses, in which both day and boarding students actively participate. The ideal student is one with sights firmly set on university and inclined to leadership roles in student life and beyond.
Read The Our Kids Review of Brentwood College School
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Brentwood was the first all-boys' boarding school in Canada to begin admitting girls, something that remains emblematic of the school's forward-looking approach. In the 1990s, it became one of the first schools in the country to make a substantial commitment to sustainable energy, building a performing arts centre that includes a geothermal loop for heating and cooling. The new dining hall and service centre, completed in 2010, continues that commitment, also providing an example to the student population. Arts and athletics are emphasized—the school is distinguished by a rowing program that has produced a long list of olympians—though academics remain the central focus of the Brentwood program. The ideal student is one with sights firmly set on university and is inclined to leadership roles in student life and beyond.
View full reportIt’s perhaps easy to wonder why Hill Academy isn’t more widely known, though perhaps for those involved in high school sports in Canada and the US, it is. Which, frankly, is appropriate. It’s a high school program based in the values, dedication, and energy associated with sport, with the daily schedule organized in order to allow students to excel in both academics and athletics. The lessons overlap, and students compete in math contests as successfully as they do sporting events. The ideal student is one looking to grow in both areas, and to do it alongside peers of a like mind, approach, and ability. The school’s success is evident in the careers—again, both academic and athletic—of its alumni, who operate at the top of their fields not only on Ontario, but throughout North America.
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"My daughter just completed grade 8 and said it was the best year of her life.
Caren Morrison (Elson) - Parent (Jun 22, 2023)
My daughter just completed grade 8 and said it was "The best year of her life". Being part of a scho...
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"For any young person who is willing to put in the hard work and take full advantage of the opportunities by attending The Hill Academy, it is the perfect fit."
Brenda Burman - Parent (Aug 28, 2023)
Both our sons have had a terrific experience since starting at The Hill Academy. The opportunity for...
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"The quality of instruction at The Hill Academy is very high."
Sam Kane - Parent (Feb 29, 2024)
Our Son Matt, recalls his experience at The Hill Academy as a moulding experience but in a spectacul...
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"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."
"The Hill Academy is Canada's premier independent school for students in JK- Grade 12/Post Graduate. The 134-acre Caledon campus offers outdoor education, bright classrooms & elite training facilities. The Hill provides a transformational experience and exceptional academic/athletic programs that focus on individual attention, character growth, leadership development & physical literacy. With small class sizes & dedicated staff, our Graduates are prepared for the demands & rigor of post secondary education."
"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."
"Our forest campus, offers day/boarding/homestay students a serene environment to excel academically with our small class sizes, dedicated, caring staff & bright classrooms. Daily character development & outdoor education benefits students physically, emotionally, and socially as they set the foundation for lifelong wellness & good health. Access to physical education backed by Sports Science, ensures athletes can reach their post secondary aspirations of playing a sport at the next level."
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"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."
"While students are engaged in an outstanding academic program, they are working at a level of athletic training normally available only at the College/University level. The Hill provides the foundation for academic, athletic, & personal development enabling each individual to maximize their full potential to succeed at the next level. Athletic & academic scheduling is completely integrated to ensure that each student-athlete is achieving excellence academically & athletically all under one roof"
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"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."
"The relationships formed between our teachers/coaches & students is something we pride our school on. It is these bonds and family connections truly make The Hill Academy a FAMILY and make a difference in the lives, and experience that our students have during their time at The Hill."
"One in four students at Brentwood are here wholly or in part thanks to financial aid. That surprises families quite often."
"Teachers, Coaches & Staff at The Hill truly care about every Hill student & family. With intimate class sizes & direct one-on-one communication, meaningful relationships are formed that last a lifetime. It is these relationships that help students excel academically & athletically through daily accountability, social-emotional development, leadership opportunities, and high expectations for every member of The Hill Community."
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A warm welcome from our spectacular ocean front campus on Vancouver Island, BC. Our unique Tripartite programme and timetable allows for an engaging combination of academic rigour, artistic opportunity, athletic challenge, and independent learning that can only be provided at Brentwood. Here, every student is supported by an exceptional faculty and staff to find their passion in a nurturing boarding environment.
We welcome you to explore our web site but nothing can compare to a visit to our campus. Please come enjoy some of our Brentwood hospitality.
Be well,
Bud Patel
Head of School
The Hill Academy is a unique academic and athletic platform to enable dedicated student athletes to get to the next level. Respect and Prepare are the core values of this platform, and are enforced on a daily basis in order to achieve academic excellence, athletic excellence and personal growth. In an athlete-centered approach, every phase of the student-athlete’s experience at the school is designed to fully prepare them to succeed at the next level.
The Hill Academy student-athletes pursue their dreams and goals with the full support of classmates, teachers, coaches and administrative staff. Our goal is to help student-athletes reach their academic and athletic goals as well as experience personal growth. The Hill Academy dedicates all of its resources to ensuring the success of its student-athletes, in a positive and energizing environment.
Traditional
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Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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As a university preparatory school, the pursuit of academic excellence is one of Brentwood’s fundamental aims. Our curriculum is built around authentic learning opportunities that allow our students to experience a wide variety of teaching styles and learning techniques. Our academic schedule is flexible—enabling students to take courses that provide the best learning experience and strongest academic support. The teaching staff are committed to inspiring students and helping them discover a passion for lifelong learning.
The Hill Academy is in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education and as such follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. The Hill Academy is a unique independent school that offers a program specifically designed for dedicated student-athletes. While students are engaged in an outstanding academic program, they are working at a level of athletic training normally available only at the College/University level. The Hill provides the foundation for academic, athletic, and personal development enabling each individual to maximize his or her full potential and ultimately reach and succeed at the next level. The athletic and academic scheduling is completely integrated and complementary to ensure that each student-athlete is achieving excellence both academically and athletically. Students at The Hill Academy can earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and will be supported by a broad range of courses, post-secondary counselling, SAT/ACT preparation and college scholarship services, ensuring the student has access to the best post secondary opportunity.
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Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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Mathematical literacy is a primary goal of the school curriculum. Competence in mathematics underpins the successful study of many academic disciplines at Brentwood. Becoming numerate involves developing the ability to explore, conjecture, reason logically, and use a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems. It also involves the development of self-confidence and the ability to use quantitative and spatial information in problem solving and decision making.
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Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
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The study of science is an integral part of the curriculum, with all students taking foundation courses in Science 9 and 10, a Science and Technology 9 elective, and at least one Science 11 elective. Many students gain Grade 11 credits in all three major sciences – physics, chemistry and biology – with a significant number studying two Science 12 courses.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physics
Not applicable
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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Brentwood students in any grade will study a variety of texts in various rhetorical modes, will write both critical and creative prose in multiple styles, and will learn how to communicate.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
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Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.
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The Social Studies Department includes the major disciplines of history and geography and covers government and leadership, global studies, and law. Through the humanities curriculum, each student develops thinking, writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills, and learns how to articulate, modify, and defend a position by learning and analyzing a defined body of content. Additionally, the student learns about the physical world in a geographical context.
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The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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With students from over 50 countries on campus, we understand the importance of language proficiency. Our modern language department has a philosophy based on the communicative-experiential approach. The focus of instruction is the purposeful use of the language; in other words, teaching students to get things done, perform real-life tasks, share ideas, and acquire information. While grammar instruction will always have a place, its role is a supportive one to provide useful strategies to facilitate communication and comprehension. Language-learning strategies are important components of the program and are an essential part of our students’ success. Some strategies we use include: recognizing cognates; relying on visual clues; recognizing and adapting language patterns; brainstorming, sharing, revising, editing, and publishing; and using context to support and extend learning.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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At Brentwood, we believe the arts promote creativity, self-expression, and teamwork. The arts help students visualize an idea and see a complex process through to reality. They teach patience, humility, and confidence. They enrich the imagination and challenge the mind. They provide balance and perspective. The arts create the culture and civilize us.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Students are encouraged to use technology in the classroom both with their teacher/in groups and individually. Also, across teh academics and several arts offerings. Specific technology courses are offered, as well—for example, Coding 11: Python. Programming is a tool that helps us implement computational thinking, as students will discover in this course. Problem-solving is a creative process, and many problems can be solved with a coding application. Classroom activities are based around problem-solving and projects. There is a blend of online work to learn the basics of the language (theory and mini-challenges) and larger coding challenges so that students can learn by doing. The beautiful thing about coding is that they immediately see the results of their thinking. This course is designed for those who enjoy learning from their mistakes.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Since 1923, Brentwood has developed a remarkable athletic history that includes championship banners at the regional, provincial and national level and 28 alumni who have gone on to be Olympians. While results have been impressive, it is the journey that students remember and cherish the most. Today, we continue to develop student-athletes with the goal of supporting the school’s vision, mission, and values.
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Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
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Rigorous
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
Our academic program is driven by a commitment to provide a leading-edge place of learning for our students and staff. Brentwood recognizes that all students learn in their own unique way and need to be engaged to achieve their best. We ensure our students can capitalise on problem-solving opportunities through creative and critical thinking. We empower students to embrace curiosity and a willingness to take risks and make connections across a wide array of disciplines.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
Brentwood has a long tradition of seeking new and innovative ways to enhance learning for each individual student. An inimitable physical location, our tripartite program, and culture of inclusion and support create a singular place of learning. The underlying foundation of our school can be found in our boarding program and everything that surrounds it—what we call Student Life, which draws all members of this community together. Our students have found that the Brentwood formula results in unparalleled opportunities for educational discipline and experimentation.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
9 - 12
7 - 12
27%
40%
$20,000
$2,500
0%
100%
9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
At Brentwood, we seek the right fit for both the student and our school. We only accept students who choose to be here; no one is sent to our school. Student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends the School. It’s why this place is so special. We believe when students truly choose to be here, and they’re surrounded by a family of like-minded friends and supporters, they can be anything. We seek students who value opportunity, embrace our values of grit and joy, and are prepared to enrich our vibrant, friendly, boarding school community. We find the students best suited to Brentwood's course of studies are those capable of succeeding in a tripartite university-preparatory program. This means that admission is not solely based on an applicant's academic potential, but also on character and eagerness to participate actively in our arts and athletic programs. We care about what students accomplish in and out of the classroom. Application to Brentwood is always competitive and we encourage families to start the application process as early as possible.
Hill students are curious, driven, passionate and want to be at The Hill. They want to be surrounded by likeminded peers and want to succeed at every level in anything they do. They understand that they must put in hard work in order to see results both in the classroom and in sport/physical fitness. Hill students are kind, thoughtful, and want to leave a positive legacy in their school, the community and the world. They are challenged to be accountable and hold high expectations for themselves. Hill students want to be active for life through physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
Our Admissions Department has a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications throughout the year until the school is fully enrolled.
The Hill Academy offers admission on a rolling basis however with limited positions available and small class sizes, enrollment can close at any time. It is recommended that you apply early. The application is completed and submitted online.
Before you begin please have the following items ready to upload:
http://www.thehillacademy.com/admissions/application-process/
