REVIEW OF Brentwood College School BY Alum, Lexie Lambert

(5) Overall Experience

Brentwood College School gave me the space to grow into a more confident, capable version of myself. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew this place was different, but also incredibly open to student voice. I arrived from a small public school in Alberta, and initially, I was nervous I wouldn’t keep up. But the community welcomed me and gave me room to explore beyond the classroom. What stood out most were the leadership opportunities and the way students were encouraged to take initiative. I co-led sustainability projects with BEAT, worked on fundraising events with the Women’s Society, and captained interhouse events. It wasn’t just extracurricular padding; it shaped how I saw myself as a leader. The school prepared me well for university life. The course load, the pace, and the expectations all mirrored what I’ve experienced at the University of Calgary. But most importantly, I left with solid time management, experience in public speaking, and a clear understanding of how to advocate for myself. Prospective students should expect to be challenged and supported in equal measure. If you come in with an open mind and a willingness to grow, Brentwood will absolutely deliver.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at Brentwood was approachable, fair, and visible. Mr. Patel, who was Head of School during my time there, really stood out for his calm, consistent presence. He’d show up to house meetings, school plays, and weekend events, but not just formal functions. That visibility mattered to me, especially. He wasn’t just making decisions behind closed doors; he was in the mix with students. Students generally respected the administration because they treated us with respect in return. When issues came up in dorms or clubs, we were invited into the conversation, not shut out of it. Discipline was handled fairly. You always understood the why, and it wasn’t about punishment for its own sake. Communication with parents was also strong. My family appreciated how often we were updated and involved in key moments, like course selection and university planning.

(4.5) Teaching

The teaching at Brentwood was one of its biggest strengths. Teachers were passionate about their subjects and constantly pushed us to think deeper and make real-world connections. Ms. Miller in economics was a major influence on my choice to study commerce, as she brought clarity to complex topics and gave us room to ask big questions. Mr. Burton also deserves a shoutout; he gave feedback that made you want to improve, not shut down. The dynamic between teachers and students was respectful and informal in a positive way. We often called teachers by their first names, which built trust and made asking for help easier. I always felt like they genuinely wanted to see us succeed. Whether it was writing support, test prep, or just advice about life after high school, their doors were always open. That kind of mentorship made a huge difference in my growth.

(5) Academics

Brentwood’s academic program was hectic but well-supported. Students took their work seriously, but the atmosphere wasn’t all-kill; it was collaborative. During assessment blocks, the pressure was real, but there were also resources everywhere: peer tutoring, extra help sessions, and plenty of teacher check-ins. The Meta 9 program was a creative and hands-on intro that set the tone for the school’s learning style: inquiry-driven, interdisciplinary, and relevant. There were so many course options, everything from AP Calculus to environmental science to business entrepreneurship. I loved how we were encouraged to tailor our course loads to our goals, but also to experiment outside of our comfort zones. I felt more than prepared heading into my business degree. The expectations were high, but so was the level of trust placed in us as learners.

(5) Extracurriculars

There were almost too many extracurriculars to count, from clubs, athletics, service opportunities, and student-led initiatives were everywhere. What stood out most to me was the encouragement to lead. Whether you were organizing a dorm social or running a fundraiser for a local cause, student involvement was at the heart of it. You didn’t have to be a top athlete or a born performer to participate. There were entry points for everyone. I joined BEAT and the Women’s Society, and I helped with business projects during Regatta. It all added up to a school culture that valued balance and well-roundedness. These programs helped me grow as a team player, public speaker, and community member, but all skills that I use every day in university.

(5) Students

Brentwood students are diverse, ambitious, and really engaged. There is no one type of student who fits in. You’ll find high-performance athletes, musicians, debaters, coders, and activists often all in the same dorm hallway. What bonded us was a shared drive to contribute to something larger than ourselves. Effort and authenticity were what earned respect, not popularity or prestige. The school had students from all over everywhere from BC, Alberta, the US, Mexico, Japan, and more. It was easy to make friends across grades and houses. The dynamic was mostly positive, even though, like any school, the cliques existed. Overall, though, people cared about each other. The culture encouraged empathy and leadership, especially when it came to things like inclusion, sustainability, and especially mental health.

(5) School Life

Student life at Brentwood was structured but full of personality. The rhythm of each day gave us direction through breakfast, classes, activities, and study, but within that structure, we found our own routines. I loved life in Whittall House. Late-night chats, birthday parties, weekend walks to the dock: that’s what made it feel like home. There was always something happening: Spirit Week, Air Band, Wellness Days, or spontaneous dance parties in the dorm lounge. That kept life exciting. Of course, students got stressed, especially around exams or university apps, but the school was proactive about mental health. We had access to counsellors, wellness programs, and really supportive houseparents. If I had one suggestion, it would be to add more casual social spaces for quiet downtime. But overall, students were happy, engaged, and proud to be there.

(5) Community

The Brentwood community extended well beyond the students. Parents were always welcome and involved, especially during big events like the Regatta and Grad ceremony, and the school communicated well with them. My parents felt included every step of the way because I could see them at almost every event. After graduation, I was surprised by how active the alumni network was. I’ve stayed in touch with friends across Canada and even gotten advice from older Brentonians in the business world. There’s a sense that Brentwood doesn’t just want to educate students, but it also wants to create lifelong connections. That has definitely been my experience at Brentwood. It’s the kind of place where you might graduate, but you never really leave; it follows you everywhere you go.

(4.5) School Location

Mill Bay is peaceful and scenic. The oceanfront campus was one of my favourite parts of school life because you could literally study with a view of the water or take a walk on the dock after a long day. Students didn’t often leave campus during the week because everything we needed was already there. On weekends, we sometimes went to Duncan or Victoria. But honestly, most of us were happy staying on campus between events, meals, dorm life, and the waterfront; it felt like its own little world.

(5) Admissions

I remember being nervous about the admissions process, but once I spoke with the admissions team, those nerves disappeared. They weren’t trying to trap me with tricky questions, but they just wanted to know who I was, what I cared about, and whether I’d make the most of the experience. The interview was conversational and warm. I submitted a short personal statement and academic transcripts, and it all felt very straightforward. If you’re applying, don’t try to sound like what you think they want. Be honest, highlight your curiosity, and talk about what you hope to contribute. They’re looking for potential, not perfection.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling team was one of the most helpful resources in my senior year. Mr. Rodrigues and the team gave us timelines, checklists, and personalized meetings where we could ask anything from essay edits to career advice. They weren’t just focused on top-tier schools either. They helped each of us find our best fit. What helped me most was their openness. They never pressured us into a certain type of school or program. They gave me the tools to compare business faculties across Canada and helped me feel confident in choosing UCalgary. I wish there had been more structured info sessions in Grade 11 to get the conversation going earlier, but once things started moving in Grade 12, the support was thorough and encouraging. I felt completely ready when it was time to apply.