With Awakening Wisdom, all students are given more than just an education. We are given a place where we are accepted for who we are, encouraged to express ourselves and our abilities, and celebrated for our ideas, our accomplishments, and our identity.

- Casey Fern, Ho`āla Alumnus

River School was the place where is I got that extra push to become who I am today; I have a confidence I never dreamed of, and a drive to follow my educational and career goals that does not waiver.

- Kat Rae, River School Alumnae, Currently at UC San Diego

River School taught me that I was part of a community that was greater than myself. I learned that being a responsible member of a community involves listening to and respecting diverse perspectives.

- Michaela Lambert, River School Alumnae, Whitman College Graduate

Awakening Wisdom has given me the ability to look outside of myself and be a part of what’s good for the whole. At home and at work, I do my best to take responsibility for my actions and work towards being a part of the solution, instead of perpetuating the problem when issues arise.

- TIFFANY HUYNH, Ho'āla School Graduate

Awakening Wisdom has elevated "personal responsibility" in its curriculum for student, teacher and parenting success. From this small Wahiawa private school, where cooperation means more than competition, and listening and clearing are skills actually taught and valued, I believe that the leaders of the world will spring.

- JAN CHING, Ho'āla School Parent

River School has given me the confidence I needed to express my needs and wants. River School gave me my voice.

- GIOIA BISHOP, River School Graduate

Not very many people can say that they began to mature in middle school. Not many people can look back and say, 'I was treated like an adult which in turn allowed me to act like an adult.' I was treated with respect. My opinion was just as important as the opinion of my teachers and the faculty.

- KATRINA CASTNER, River School Graduate
Serving In The Peace Corps In Columbia