Advisory
In the Upper School, students are assigned a Faculty Advisor who works closely with them throughout their Brentwood journey. Besides weekly small advisory group meetings, advisors and advisees also interact informally, having lunch together or sharing leisure time. Advisors often act as liaisons between parents/guardians and the school, working with the Upper School administrative team to facilitate conversation.
Academic advising and College Counseling
All Brentwood School students meet regularly with an academic advisor to select appropriately challenging courses and to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. In the 10th Grade, students are officially assigned one of Brentwood’s five full-time college counselors. While keeping in mind each student’s personalized path to success, our college counselors help students identify and apply to colleges that fit their unique talents and aspirations. The counselors empower our students to achieve balance, to promote curiosity, and to encourage accountability of choices and ownership of learning.
To that end, a variety of events help students and families navigate the process of choosing and applying to colleges, including Case Study Night and College Fair, a number of parent/guardian evenings, and essay-writing workshops. Approximately 100 college admissions deans and representatives visit Brentwood School each fall and winter.
The school sponsors two college trips for Brentwood School students. The sophomores take a two-day trip to California colleges and universities, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, and other institutions. Juniors take a spring break trip to the east coast, concentrating on Northeast and Mid-Atlantic colleges and universities.
Social and emotional Counseling
Professional counselors are available on campus for additional student and family support. When students face challenges at home or in school, they often need an accepting, nonjudgmental adult to help them process their feelings and get through these difficult times. School counselors provide listening skills and encouragement as students and families navigate through these high school years. Learn more about our Counseling Program
Learning Specialist
Our Learning Specialist discusses ways that teachers and families can support students academically. When students present with a documented learning profile, the Learning Specialist facilitates appropriate accommodations in school and with the College Board.