Cardinal Education was a game-changer for our Brentwood School application. They helped our daughter shine in her interview, fine-tuned every part of her application, and made the entire process feel manageable and stress-free.
How To Get Into Brentwood School: A Guide For You and Your Family
Opening the Door to Brentwood: Where Potential Meets Opportunity.
TALK TO OUR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT TODAY! Call Us Toll Free: (888) 521-5243Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any public or private school.
Quick Links:
Is Brentwood School a Good School?
Yes, Brentwood School is considered one of the top private schools in Los Angeles thanks to its strong academics, standout programs, and thoughtful community. The college preparatory curriculum includes a wide range of AP courses and electives in subjects like computer science, ethics, and the arts. Students regularly go on to attend Ivy League and top liberal arts colleges. Beyond the classroom, Brentwood offers exceptional theater, music, and visual arts programs, as well as competitive athletics in sports like volleyball, soccer, and water polo.
The school also places a strong emphasis on character development and leadership. Through service learning, diversity initiatives, and student government, students are encouraged to grow not just academically, but socially and ethically. Its two-campus structure, K–6 on East Campus and 7–12 on West Campus, supports age-appropriate learning while maintaining a unified school culture. Brentwood blends academic challenge with personal growth, making it a compelling choice for families seeking more than just a “good” school.
Student Diversity
According to data from U.S. News, Brentwood School’s student body is composed of 64.4% White students, 13.3% African American students, 8.5% Asian or Asian Pacific Islander students, 8.5% multiracial students, 5.0% Hispanic/Latino students, and 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native students. This breakdown offers insight into the school’s demographic diversity.
How Hard Is It To Get Into Brentwood School?
Brentwood doesn’t publicly share its exact acceptance rate, but from what we know in the admissions world, it’s very selective. Think of it this way: it’s one of the most sought-after private schools in Los Angeles, with limited spots and tons of families applying from all over the city (and beyond). Entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade are particularly competitive. If you’re applying outside of those, you’re mostly hoping for a rare opening.
Now, it’s not just about having great grades. Brentwood is looking for students who are high-achieving, yes, but also interesting, thoughtful, and engaged. They want kids who will raise their hands, lead a club, try out for the play, and volunteer on the weekend. That means interviews matter. Essays matter. Teacher recommendations really matter. Families also need to demonstrate alignment with the school’s values and community culture.
S,o how hard is it to get in? If you’re not well-prepared or don’t stand out, it’s very hard. But if your child has strong academics, solid character, and a story that fits what Brentwood is about, you have a real shot. Just be ready to bring your A-game.
How to Apply to Brentwood School: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process at Brentwood School is thoughtful, thorough, and designed to help families and students get to know the community, and vice versa. Whether you’re applying for middle school or upper school, the steps are clear and approachable. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish.
Step 1: Inquire
Start by submitting the online Inquiry Form. Once received, Brentwood’s Admissions Office will send an email with instructions on how to complete the application and register for optional admissions events. Families will also receive an admissions packet with a viewbook and additional resources.
Step 2: Visit (Grades 6–12 only)
Prospective Middle and Upper School families are encouraged to attend virtual or on-campus admissions events to get a feel for the school’s community and philosophy. Registration is required and is only available after the inquiry form is submitted. Events are held throughout the admissions season, with special “Looking Ahead” events offered in the spring for both middle and upper school applicants.
Step 3: Apply
Once the inquiry form is submitted, families can create an applicant account and complete the online application, which includes sections for both parent/guardian and student.
Important note for 6th-grade applicants: Brentwood only accepts 6th-grade applications from public school students, families relocating to Los Angeles, or students from private schools that end in 5th grade.
Families are encouraged to apply early in the admissions season to secure preferred interview and tour scheduling.
Step 4: Family Interview and Tour (Grades 6–12 only)
After the application is processed, Brentwood will contact families to schedule a family interview and campus tour. This step involves both the parents/guardians and the student. Interviews take place during the school day, with virtual options available for families outside of the Los Angeles area.
Step 5: Submit Required Forms
All applicants must submit the following through the admissions portal or by email:
- • Transcript Request Form
- • Administrator Recommendation Form
- • English Teacher Recommendation Form
- • Math Teacher Recommendation Form
Forms should be completed later in the fall and submitted before the final application review period.
What are the application requirements for Brentwood School?
Submitting Academic Records & Transcripts to Brentwood School
Time to open the academic time capsule. Brentwood wants to see how your child’s been doing up until now, so request those transcripts from your current school. Report cards, progress reports, test scores, they want the greatest hits, not just the highlight reel. Fill out the Transcript Request Form and make sure the school sends it along. Yes, schools still fax and email things. Yes, you’ll probably have to follow up twice.
Brentwood School ISEE Testing: Optional for Grades 6-12
Testing is optional, which means if your child crushed the ISEE, feel free to brag a little and send in the scores. If standardized tests make them break out in hives, skip it. Brentwood gets it. No score? No problem. But if you do send them, use the magic number: 051555. It’s like giving the admissions team bonus footage. Totally optional, potentially helpful, never required.
Want to make the most of the “optional” part? If your child is a strong test taker, submitting ISEE scores could give your application a little extra sparkle. But prepping solo can be overwhelming. That’s where Cardinal Education comes in. We offer one-on-one ISEE prep and ISEE Practice Tests that are tailored, strategic, and actually work. No fluff, no wasted time, just the tools your child needs to feel confident and score high.
Securing Strong Teacher & Administrator Recommendations for Brentwood School
This is the part where your kid’s teachers get to sing their praises. or at least say something nice and insightful. Brentwood asks for three recs: one from an administrator, one from the English teacher who knows your child’s literary side, and one from the math teacher who’s seen them wrestle with decimals. Kindly ask those adults to fill out the forms, then resist the urge to hover. Maybe thank them with a latte. Or a heartfelt email. Or both.
The trick to great recommendations? Timing and strategy. Choose teachers who know your child well and can speak to their character and growth, not just their report card. Give them plenty of time, and maybe a cheat sheet with your child’s recent accomplishments. Not sure how to approach the ask or which teachers will write the strongest letters? Cardinal Education works directly with families to guide this entire process. We know what makes a rec stand out, and we’ll help you set your recommenders up for success.
The Brentwood School Admissions Family Interview: What to Expect
Ah, the interview. Not nearly as scary as it sounds. This is a chance for you and your child to meet the admissions team and talk about what makes your kid tick. Interests, strengths, goals, dreams, odd hobbies, it’s all fair game. They want to know your family, not quiz you on college trivia. The student comes too, so it’s a team effort. And if you’re not in Los Angeles, no worries. Zoom is invited.
Interviews are where personality counts. Your child doesn’t need to be perfect; they just need to be thoughtful, engaged, and themselves. Practicing ahead of time helps more than you think. At Cardinal Education, we offer expert interview prep for both students and parents. We run mock interviews, offer feedback, and help your family feel confident, calm, and ready to shine. It’s not about scripted answers; it’s about showing up as your best self.
What Student Life Is Like At Brentwood School and Why Families Choose It
What are Brentwood School’s Academics Like?
Academics at Brentwood School are rooted in a progressive, student-centered philosophy that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and real-world relevance. The curriculum is intentionally designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to make meaningful connections across subjects and explore big ideas through hands-on learning. Signature initiatives like the Belldegrun Center for Innovative Leadership (BCIL) empower students to develop their voices, collaborate on community-driven projects, and tackle complex global issues with both empathy and critical thinking. From ethics discussions to robotics labs, students are encouraged to dive deep, think boldly, and apply their learning beyond the classroom.
Brentwood’s academic environment is supported by a strong advisory program, highly engaged teachers, and cutting-edge educational technology. Students experience learning that’s not just rigorous but also deeply personal and purposeful. Whether they’re analyzing literature through a social justice lens, exploring entrepreneurship through BCIL, or designing solutions in a STEAM studio, Brentwood students are developing the skills to lead, create, and contribute meaningfully to the world. This is a school where intellectual challenge meets intentional growth—and that’s what makes it truly worth it.
What AP Courses are Offered by Brentwood School?
Brentwood School offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students eager to challenge themselves and dive deeper into college-level material. Whether your child is a future engineer, artist, economist, or linguist, there’s an AP class here to stretch their thinking and fuel their academic passions.
What are the Arts at Brentwood School Like?
The arts at Brentwood School are not just an extracurricular—they’re a core part of the student experience. Whether it’s visual art, music, dance, film, or theater, students have the space, tools, and mentorship to explore their creativity with confidence and depth. From the Middle School’s exploratory arts wheel to Upper School’s advanced electives and productions, the program is designed to grow with students and help them find their artistic voice. Facilities like the East Campus Theater, ceramics studios, music rehearsal rooms, and digital media labs make it easy to dive into serious creative work—and have a lot of fun along the way.
Brentwood’s arts program thrives on performance, portfolio, and process. Students perform in full-scale plays, musicals, dance concerts, and choral showcases. Visual artists participate in exhibitions, and budding filmmakers share their work with the school community. Programs like Jazz Band, Chamber Singers, and Dance Company allow students to pursue advanced training, while interdisciplinary opportunities through the Belldegrun Center for Innovative Leadership encourage them to connect their art with purpose and community. At Brentwood, the arts aren’t on the sidelines. They’re center stage, offering students the chance to express themselves, take creative risks, and build skills that stick for life.
What Sports Are Offered by Brentwood School
At Brentwood School, athletics aren’t just about competition; they’re about community, character, and discovering what lights students up outside the classroom. Whether you’re looking for fast breaks on the basketball court, teamwork in soccer scrimmages, or epic volleyball rallies, there’s something for everyone in every season.
With a wide range of seasonal sports and inclusive team options, Brentwood ensures that students have the chance to get active, build confidence, and thrive through athletics. It’s not just about winning, it’s about growing, leading, and having fun while doing it.
Famous Alumni Who Graduated From Brentwood School
Brentwood School has produced a long list of standout alumni across entertainment, media, fashion, and sports. Here are a few familiar names you might recognize.
- Adam Levine – Lead vocalist of Maroon 5. Formed his first band, Kara’s Flowers, with fellow Brentwood students.
- Jonah Hill – Academy Award-nominated actor (Superbad, The Wolf of Wall Street). Attended Brentwood before transferring to Crossroads School.
- Fred Savage – Actor and director, best known for The Wonder Years.
- Patrick Schwarzenegger – Actor, model, and entrepreneur. Son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.
- Katherine Schwarzenegger – Author and lifestyle blogger. Also, the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.
- Ryan Kavanaugh – Film producer and founder of Relativity Media.
- Jon Landau – Academy Award-winning producer of Titanic and Avatar.
- Talita von Fürstenberg – Fashion designer, model, and member of the Fürstenberg fashion dynasty.
- Andrew Breitbart – Journalist and founder of Breitbart News.
- David Forst – General Manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team.
From stage to screen to boardroom, Brentwood alumni go far. It’s the kind of place where big dreams find their launchpad.
Related Articles
How Brentwood School Transforms Students Into Leaders: Belldegrun Center for Innovative Leadership
What Service Learning Means at Brentwood School
A School That Cares: How Brentwood Supports Its Students
Did You Know?
Brentwood School has hosted certified therapy dogs during finals week to help students de-stress. Because sometimes the best study partner has four legs and a tail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colleges do Brentwood School students attend?
Brentwood students are regulars on the rosters of top colleges across the country. We’re talking Ivies like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, liberal arts gems like Williams and Pomona, and major players like Stanford, USC, and NYU. The college counseling team works closely with students starting in junior year, helping them craft thoughtful applications and smart college lists. Whether students are aiming for a STEM powerhouse, an arts conservatory, or anything in between, Brentwood grads tend to land exactly where they’ll thrive. The school’s emphasis on academic rigor, leadership, and well-rounded development means Brentwood students don’t just get in—they stand out once they’re there.
When do Brentwood School admissions decisions come out?
If you’re the type who refreshes your inbox every 12 seconds, mark your calendar for early March. That’s when Brentwood School typically releases admissions decisions. It’s a big day—equal parts nerves, hope, and the occasional celebratory snack. Brentwood follows the common notification timeline used by most Los Angeles area independent schools, so you’ll likely hear back at the same time as other schools on your list. Pro tip: don’t obsess over the timestamp. Just know that when the news arrives, it’ll be the start of something exciting, whether that means joining the Brentwood community or heading in another amazing direction.
When is the deadline for admission to Brentwood School?
Brentwood’s official application deadline usually lands in mid-January. Think of it as your last big academic to-do after winter break. That means all parts of the application—including student and parent essays, recommendation forms, and transcripts—should be submitted by then. Of course, the earlier you get things done, the smoother the process feels. Interviews and campus visits fill up fast, and trust us, you don’t want to be scrambling to book those. So start early, stay organized, and treat that deadline like a VIP guest. And if you’re ever unsure about timing, Brentwood’s admissions portal will keep you on track.
What is Brentwood School’s acceptance rate?
Brentwood doesn’t publish an official acceptance rate, but let’s not sugarcoat it: it’s selective. As one of the top private schools in Los Angeles, Brentwood receives a large number of applications for a limited number of seats, especially in key entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade. While exact numbers are hush-hush, many families in the admissions world estimate the rate to be somewhere in the 15 to 25 percent range. That said, don’t let the odds scare you. A well-prepared, thoughtful application can absolutely rise to the top. That’s where a little strategy—and maybe Cardinal Education—comes in handy.
DISCLAIMER
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any private school, including those mentioned on this website. All school names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.