Brentwood has a Modern, 21st century, contemporary approach to traditional boarding. Students choose to come to Brentwood; they are not sent here. We cherish our philosophy that the experience each student has in the boarding house is fundamental to the success of our school. The Brentwood boarding experience helps each student develop self-discipline, maturity, independence, time management, and leadership skills.
The Boarding Environment
Being away at a boarding school does not mean that students are without mentoring, guidance and adult supervision. In each house, students have regular daily contact with house staff. Through 'Big Brother'/'Big Sister' evenings and peer counselling, senior students also help mentor and guide younger grades. The House Captain, Assistant House Captains and their team of Grade 12s work closely with the Houseparents and house staff to ensure that each student is supported. Students learn to live in a community where mutual respect and cooperation are key elements of their daily lives.
What makes Boarding at Brentwood different?
First and foremost: Brentwood is a boarding school where the majority of students board (84%). Because of this, our boarders have a completely different experience than those at schools with larger day student populations. As well, 60% of the teachers live on campus. The pulse and soul of our school is the boarding culture, ethos and the Residential Life Programme. We invest time and energy in creating a vibrant boarding environment. The majority of our students and teachers do not leave ‘after classes’ to go home. Boarders are not left behind while a majority of their community head back to their families. Boarding is not an afterthought; it is the very core of our school. We have a boarding culture and it makes a difference.
Houses
Each of our eight boarding houses overlook the spectacular Saanich Peninsula, and provides easy access to all of the art, athletic and academic facilities. The houses are modern and comfortable; all have common rooms, kitchen areas, internet access (including Skype and social media), televisions and areas for socializing with people from other houses. More than these amenities each house, student develop house loyalty and pride. Long after graduation, the experience in the boarding house typically creates meaningful memories and lifelong friendships.
Dorms
At Brentwood every boarding student has a roommate, usually in the same grade, with whom they share a spacious ‘dorm’ (room). After their first year, most roommates choose to room together. While the School provides all the basic furniture, students may choose to bring chairs, fridges and other personal items to make it feel more like home. Roommates take great pleasure in decorating their rooms to create personal spaces on campus.
Houseparents
Houseparents and Assistant Houseparents (and their families) live at either end of each boarding house. The role of the Houseparent and their Assistant is to work in partnership with parents and to oversee the daily life of every student in the house. Many Houseparents have an open door for students to ask for advice or to simply share a laugh after a busy day. Many graduates still stay in touch with their former Houseparents and can attest to the positive role they played in their adolescent development.
Staying in Touch
At Brentwood, we believe we are in a partnership with families. Geography no longer hinders frequent communication. With Skype, Facebook, Twitter, email and phone, keeping in touch between home visits is easier than ever. Parents can also stay up to date with life at Brentwood through the Brentwood Blog, online news, the Admissions Blog and our social media postings on Facebook and Twitter.
Friends and Memories
Graduates often tell us that the years they spent living on this beautiful oceanfront campus were some of the happiest and most memorable of their lives. Brentwood is much more than a school; it is a friendly community of people who care about each other. New students understand that they are not leaving their old friends; they are making new ones. It is a rich and rewarding experience.
