Brentwood is a CAIS accredited co-educational boarding school for Grades 9 to 12. Prospective students are drawn to our school’s innovative approach, university preparatory programmes, and spectacular oceanfront setting.
Since 1923, we have worked diligently to establish a transformative place of learning and leadership, mirroring the educational experience of a small college rather than a traditional boarding school. Our primary purpose is to help students gain the independence and skills necessary to succeed in the post-secondary world while studying in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment.
Today, Brentwood stands as a model of progressive, West Coast boarding. Our school is a remarkable place to make lifelong friends while gaining a world-class education. We welcome visitors and invite you to share in the Brentwood experience.
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 Life Initiative 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.
Why Brentwood College School
Prospective students choose Brentwood because we are unique in our approach and devotion to preparing students for the future. Preparing for university life can be a challenge and Brentwood’s holistic preparatory curriculum helps students bridge the gap between high school and university.
Brentwood is a popular choice with international and American families because we offer a Canadian boarding experience with a small and diverse international community. This year 70% of our students are Canadian, another 8% are American, and the remaining 22% come from over 30 countries around the world. With students from six continents and diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, Brentwood offers a comprehensive orientation process and Boarding Life Initiative to help new students adjust very quickly to life on campus. We have a strong tradition, a proven track record and a strong residential life program, all blending seamlessly into our progressive approach to educating our students. The school brings together a varied mix of students from diverse backgrounds to create a unique and empowering community of learning.
Grade 9 is our Foundation Year. During this year students focus on building and refining the core academic skills of receiving, recording, analyzing, and interpreting information. As each student learns differently, we work with them to develop sound academic practices in everything from simple note taking to more comprehensive study skills designed to improve critical thinking and performance on tests and assignments. Students are presented with a range of academic activities to strengthen and expand their use of information technology and to develop their skills in displaying and manipulating data. Experiential methods are employed together with technology to bring concrete examples to the principles taught in the classroom. The marriage of the theoretical and practical can be very powerful. Collaborative learning strategies and the ability to participate as an effective member of a team are equally important. All students are engaged in curriculum that enhances their appreciation and understanding of global challenges as well as the opportunities present in today’s world.
All students take:
Unless they are advanced in a particular subject, all students take:
*If a student lacks background in the languages offered, he/she may take a second elective course instead.
Note: Courses can be removed from the elective list if there is insufficient interest from students during the course selection process.
Our Grade 11 commitment year is one in which students make important decisions regarding their prospective areas of study. Choices made regarding electives can and do reverberate into Grade 12 and beyond. The foundation for these choices begins in Grade 10 with a thorough explanation and discussion of elective options and the implications for Grade 12. All Grade 11 students are expected to tentatively develop post-secondary plans and are encouraged to attend university sessions to broaden their knowledge of the options available in Canada and abroad. For those interested in American universities we also provide extensive SAT preparation and university counselling.
Grade 11 is the "pre AP" year that provides the foundation for success in Advanced Placement exams in Grade 12. Advanced Placement is one option that allows students to pursue academic excellence; all students are encouraged to become involved in the wide range of opportunities at this level. In several electives there is the possibility of taking AP exams in Grade 11. In today’s increasingly competitive and expensive post-secondary institutions, the experience of taking Advanced Placement courses is not only excellent preparation for university-level education but can also provide placement into higher level courses and credits to alleviate tuition burdens.
All students are required to take:
To bring the total number of courses taken to SIX, students select from the following Grade 11 Elective Courses:
Note: Courses can be removed from the elective list if there is insufficient interest from students during the course selection process.
Grade 12 is our leadership year. Students take on key roles in the houses and school as they prepare to graduate and begin their post-secondary experiences. The curriculum focuses on building skills to instill confidence into our students and empower them to make important decisions as they prepare to graduate and begin their post-secondary education. The Grade 12 electives include numerous AP options to potentially earn first year credit and gain entry into second year university courses. It is a year of support and collaboration with peers, advisors, university counsellors, and parents.
All students take:
Along with English, students choose four or five of the following elective courses targeted towards gaining entry into a university faculty of their choice:
Note: New courses will only be offered if there is sufficient interest from students during the course selection process. As well, other courses can be removed from the elective list should if there is insufficient interest from students during the course selection process.