REVIEW OF Brentwood College School BY Alum, Peyton Harker

(5) Overall Experience

Brentwood wasn’t just a school to me; it was a stage, a canvas, a lab, and a second home. The freedom to explore my creativity in theatre, while also being challenged academically, made my time there incredibly fulfilling. What I liked best was how the arts weren’t an afterthought; they were central. The support from teachers like Ms. Widenmaier and Mr. Anderton made all the difference. If I could change anything, I would’ve joined B-Well or BEAT earlier because those spaces offer so much purpose and connection. Brentwood definitely prepared me for NYU and beyond; I left with discipline, empathy, and the courage to take risks. Prospective students should expect to be pushed in the best way, creatively and personally, that's all I can say. I was intimidated to get involved outside of the arts at first, but once I did, I realized those communities were just as welcoming and meaningful.

(5) School Leadership

Mr. Patel’s steady presence was like a metronome for the school, always reliable, encouraging, and consistent. He wasn't just the Head of School, but he was also part of the community. I respected the admin team because they actually listened to our concerns. I remember Ms. Ramsay helping us mediate a dorm disagreement, and she treated us like adults, not kids. Leadership was visible and thoughtful. They communicated clearly, and I always felt like they had our backs.

(5) Teaching

I honestly think the teachers at Brentwood were phenomenal. I felt seen. Mr. Wardrop taught English like it was performance art, and Ms. Pham made even pre-calc engaging with her contagious energy. They loved their subjects, and it showed through what they did. Feedback wasn’t just a rubric with red ink; it was always thoughtful, personal, and actionable. They really wanted us to grow. The teacher-to-student dynamic was informal in the best way. We called some teachers by their first names, but not all of them, and the respect was mutual. It never felt hierarchical as we were collaborators in learning. I had teachers attend my performances, stay late to help with essays, and even check in during tough weeks. That kind of care sticks with you.

(5) Academics

Brentwood’s academic culture is one of exploration and balance. The pressure was there all the time, especially during assessment blocks, but it wasn’t that bad, honestly. Students took pride in their work, but we didn’t compete with each other; instead, we supported and pushed each other. The Meta 9 program was unlike anything I’d seen. It was hands-on, messy, creative learning that taught us how to collaborate and think critically. There was a wide range of electives that let students chase their interests. I took a neuroscience enrichment class one term through the BRAIN program, which sounds wild for a theatre kid, but that’s the kind of interdisciplinary mindset Brentwood cultivates. I left not just prepared for NYU, but for any fast-paced, intellectually curious environment.

(5) Extracurriculars

Extracurriculars were everywhere, from Interhouse to Java Hut performances to climate advocacy. You could go deep (like I did in theatre) or just show up for fun (like I did for the tug-of-war at Track & Field). It wasn’t about resumes, but it was about community. Clubs like OMNI, BIPOC, and BEAT created space for meaningful conversations and actions. The school made it easy to try new things. There were environmental cleanups, mental health weeks, improv shows, robotics clubs, and student-led socials. There was always something happening. You never had to be just one version of yourself.

(5) Students

Brentwood students are vibrant, driven, and full of personality. You had future engineers, poets, athletes, and activists sharing dorm kitchens. What earned respect wasn’t perfection but authenticity. The school had students from all over the world, from Mexico, Japan, Alberta, Germany, and while it wasn’t always perfect, people worked hard to understand each other. We were encouraged to lead and to listen. A "typical" Brentwood student doesn’t really exist, according to my opinion, but the ones who stood out were those who showed up fully. Whether it was in class, onstage, or on the field. It was a place that celebrated passion in all its forms. The best way to fit in is to stand out, that's what I think. Be ready to explore and indulge in different cultures

(5) School Life

Overall, I really enjoyed my time at Brentwood. Was it always easy? No, but the structure, support, and strong community made the experience meaningful. What contributed most to my quality of life was dorm life and routine. Living in Whittall gave me a real sense of belonging. We had structure like lights-out, meal times, check-ins, but there was also space for late-night talks and spontaneous laughs. Yes, students were busy and sometimes stressed, especially around assessments, but there was passion behind it. Most people genuinely wanted to be there. Spirit events like Air Band, Wellness Day, and Regatta helped break up the intensity. If there’s room for improvement, I’d say expanding quiet spaces on campus and giving us a bit more freedom in scheduling personal time would help balance things out. But overall, student life was vibrant and full of opportunity.

(5) Community

The alumni network is strong, especially in the arts. I’ve kept in touch with a few grads now working in NYC. Parents were active too, especially around performance nights and the Regatta. They volunteered, they fundraised, they made the experience feel bigger than just us. Even after graduation, I still feel connected. I follow Brentwood arts events and have Zoomed into workshops with past teachers. The sense of community doesn’t vanish when you graduate; it follows you. Since graduating, I’ve stayed connected with a few Brentwood friends, some from my dorm, others from clubs and classes. There’s a real sense of “once a Brentonian, always a Brentonian.” I’ve also had older alumni reach out through LinkedIn, especially those in business programs. That kind of network is a huge bonus I didn’t fully appreciate until after I graduated. It’s a lasting, supportive community.

(5) School Location

Mill Bay isn’t a booming metropolis, but it doesn’t need to be. The campus backs onto the ocean. Some of my best thinking happened while sitting at the dock or walking back from the boathouse at dusk. Students didn’t need to leave much; everything was there. Weekend trips to Victoria were a fun bonus, but honestly? The real world was right on campus.

(5) Admissions

My application process felt personal. I had a Zoom interview with the drama lead, and it wasn’t intimidating, just a conversation. They wanted to get to know me, not a version of me polished for a brochure. I submitted a video of one of my performances, and we talked about everything from musicals to growth mindset. My advice: Be honest in your application. Brentwood values individuality. If you’re quirky, passionate, and uncertain, lean into that. The school doesn’t want perfection; it wants potential.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling program at Brentwood was one of the strongest parts of my Grade 12 year. Mr. Rodrigues and the counselling team were approachable, organized, and genuinely invested in helping each of us find the right fit, not just the most impressive school. I received lots of support with my NYU application, including essay review, timelines, scholarship tips, and even mock interviews. They also held info nights for both students and parents, which helped us feel aligned. One thing I appreciated was how they encouraged students to be realistic and ambitious; it wasn’t just about chasing rankings. If anything, I wish we’d had a few university-planning check-ins starting in Grade 11. But once we entered our final year, the support was excellent, and I felt fully prepared to make confident, informed choices.