I have been riding with Kim for over a year as an adult student with very rusty experience. Kim and her staff throughout my time with them have been nothing but patient, informative, and accommodating. I have learned substantially not only riding itself but also on the ground. Ive been taught how to care for a horse, tend to wounds, and understand potential ailments. Guidance while riding has including understanding how your horse can relate to you, how your body language and mood directly affects your ride. In my experience, the environment at Aloha Riding is one of great care to both for students and animal. The lessons are always about making sure the student and horse are safe. Kim has been accommodating with my schedule both in if needing to change time or reschedule based on what she has available. I would recommend Kim and Aloha Riding if you are serious about learning the ins and out of not only riding but the ins and outs of horse ownership. read more

I wasn't sure how horse rides were going to go at a 3 year old birthday party but it was a blast!! The kids fed the horses, brushed them, painted horseshoes and rode a very sweet horse. My son is 3 in a few months and we are going to get him lessons then. Love this place. read more

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Nothing aloha about it. I came to Kim with a very specific request, I want to be saddle ready for a 13 day horse back riding trip in Mongolia. After being informed that it was a three month minimum I asked if we could consolidate that three months in 1.5 months of time since my trip was coming up shortly. She agreed and we had a couple of different times and different days scheduled. I soon realized she was neither a good teacher, nor positive, and she only wanted me to learn English even after I told her that's not what the horses practice in Mongolia. Her manager said disparaging comments like " come on even the kids can ride that horse". And I felt like was continuously cajoled like a child. After she had me ride bareback and asked me to trot, which I wasn't comfortable with and a horse fall later. I was over it. I knew I'd be breaking my 3 months but I swallowed the cost because I was sick of being around her toxicity. After she charged me for the three months, she charged me for additional 2 months. And told me I had to cancel in writing even though the whole premise was set for three months. I was charged 2250 for 5 lessons! Her contract is full of fine print and gotchas. And she still won't pay me back for my "missed lessons" that she didn't have me scheduled for. read more

It's been over 3 months of lessons and it's been such a learning experience for both me and my daughter! Kim and her team have been nothing short of amazing I still can't believe they were able to get my daughter to willingly muck stalls! My daughters loves spending time after her lessons to hangout with the older kids where they continue to keep her engaged. I am so grateful to have found such a wonderful program and can't wait to continue this journey with my daughter. read more

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My daughter and I have been taking lessons at Aloha Riding with Kim and her trainers for over a year. Kim has helped me fulfill my childhood dream of being a "horse girl". Starting as a beginner with no more than my love for horses (always from a distance) this year has taught me so much about horsemanship. Kim prides herself in educating her students not just in the techniques of riding but the holistic understanding and appreciation of horses. Kim's decades of experience and her deep love and respect for horses is obvious in how she teaches. A crucial part of this is bonding with these highly intelligent animals. Will you riding every single lesson? No. Will you become a better and more confident rider than you would at most other facilities? Absolutely. Kim covers every aspect of horsemanship from grooming and tacking to equine health and boarding. This includes cleaning stalls, learning about feeding habits, bathing the horses, liberty work, all of which have benefitted my skills on the horse. I liken it to learning a new language. You wouldn't attempt to converse with native speaker after picking up just a few phrases. Similarly with riding, Kim has helped me grow my confidence by laying a solid foundation and using the right building blocks for me to become a fluent rider. If you want to jump on a horse and basically do an arena trail ride every time, go elsewhere. If you want to master true horsemanship and experience the privilege of having these animals be a part of your life, Aloha Riding is it. read more

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We wish we could have sent our kids to take riding lessons the week we were there but it rained on subsequent days. The owner was so nice in showing us around their stables. We got to see the horses and he thoroughly explained what to expect during a riding lesson. We definitely will come back next time for a lesson if weather permits! read more

I cannot say enough good things about Kim, Troy and Aloha Riding Lessons. I'm in my 30s and always wanted to ride as a kid but never got the chance beyond some pony camps, and decided it was time to live my childhood horse girl dreams. Kim is up front and clear from day 1 about expectations and policies. Her goal is not to launch you into a horse day 1 and get you superficially "riding." At Aloha Riding Lessons, you will learn horsemanship and all the other aspects that go into the sport, including care of the horses and barn. All of the instructors are fantastic as well. Lastly, the community there has been the most unexpected blessing - I went to learn how to ride, but on day 1 I realized I found something unique there: a welcoming, warm, kind, hilarious group of like-minded individuals. Aloha Riding Lessons has truly become my happy place and I cannot recommend it highly enough. TL;DR - I came for the horses, I stayed for the people (and the horses!) read more

Kind, patient, and knowledgeable staff. Animals well-cared for. Beautiful location. Give them a call!

Aloha Riding lesson is a wonderful & happy environment. I have done 2 lessons so far & can't wait to keep going back to continue refreshing my memory / learning new things to better my horsemanship. Totally recommend Aloha Riding to anyone & everyone from first time riders to more experienced riders! -Hannah :) read more

Aloha Riding Lessons - Horseback Riding Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My experience with Aloha Riding was exceptional, and what stood out was the honesty and integrity displayed by the owner and management. From the start, they were transparent about the lesson structure, costs, and what to expect, creating a sense of trust that is often hard to find in any service industry. The owner's commitment to honesty was evident in her willingness to address any concerns or questions I had, fostering an open line of communication. It's refreshing to engage with a business where transparency isn't just a buzzword but a core value upheld by the entire team. The management's dedication to ensuring a positive experience was apparent in their attention to detail. They were accommodating to my needs and genuinely invested in creating a learning environment that felt safe and enjoyable. This level of commitment, combined with their honesty, creates a business culture that sets them apart. In an industry where customer trust is paramount, the honesty of the owner and management shines through, making this horse riding lesson business not only a great place to learn but also a testament to the importance of integrity in customer relationships. I wholeheartedly recommend them, confident that others will appreciate the honesty and professionalism that sets this business apart. A solid 5-star rating for a genuinely outstanding experience. In response to the recent post about the gift certificate mishap, as a business owner myself , as long as the rules and restrictions are clearly stated on the gift certificate, it is the customers responsibility to read the fine print. Seems the business has already been more than accommodating with honoring a second chance. A no show is lost revenue and time. I would not give much credence to the rants of one with unsubstantiated complaints. Keep up the outstanding work, #TeamAlohaRiding read more

My daughter has been taking lessons there for over a year now and she has learned so much and has the best time there. Kim is very enthusiastic and does a great job of teaching from the ground up. All of the instructors are so friendly and helpful too. We have had a great experience with ARL. read more

Our 6 year old loves horseback riding now and cannot wait each week for his lesson day. He is becoming more responsible as they show him how to take care of the horses before and after each lesson. read more

ARL is amazing. Kim, Troy, Tiana, and Tiffany are amazing with my daughter. They are pushing her horsemanship boundaries which is carrying over into her daily activities. She has gained more confidence and starting to become more independent. ARL rocks!!! read more

My daughter went to Aloha Riding Lessons for a few months before we moved off the island. Kim and her girls were amazing! They gave my daughter a great start/foundation before we left! She looked forward to going to her weekly leasons. You won't be disappointed! We definitely miss Kim and her girls! read more

Update after receiving multiple replies from Ms.Kim.... *** Kim edited her reply after I pointed out false information in which she claimed she offered "my girls" discounted summer camps, that she didn't know we were unhappy as we left very happy, and that we continued lessons with her. Her new edit contains more untruths. My son NEVER hit a horse, my son NEVER was made to sit out of a lesson, his lessons were never discontinued due to any "animal abuse" or "horse hitting". NEVER HAPPENED, EVER. I never discontinued one child and continued the other - as the review states, the last time we were there was for 2 children, 2 lessons. The entire reason we chose not to continue at Aloha Riding was because Kim LIED TO ME and ignored the screenshot evidence. And apparently the lying continues unchecked. Appalling. **** Kim, I have no idea what you're talking about. I never discussed summer camp with you, I never would have said that it was too expensive, and you never offered us any sort of "scholarship". My children never had another lesson after the missed lesson I detailed. You were definitely aware of why I was upset and most definitely would not refund my money; as I said in the review, you clearly stated you would not. And I don't even have "girls"; I have one girl and one boy. You must have us confused with some other unhappy customer. Feel free to go back and review our emails to refresh your memory; you hit me with like, 10 emails between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm the day I published the review so I see that you still have it.... *** Kim, I hope you can take a negative review as a learning and growing experience and make improvements in your future business practice. My children were saddened to learn of the death of their favorite horse, Koa. I wish your current horses good health and you positive energy. read more

Aloha Riding Lessons - Kim spamming my email the day I posted a negative review... - Horseback Riding Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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We had a wonderful time! The stables were so clean, the horses and ponies looked so happy and well cared for... Tiana was an absolute star! She was incredible with my two girls (my 5 year old must've asked 100 questions...). She spoke and worked methodically, thoroughly and patiently. The whole experience was excellent! Surely, it will be a memory to last for my girls, myself and as well as my mother! read more

My 10 year old son takes a weekly lesson. It's been amazing. Prior to Aloha he went to another place in Waimanalo and took lessons. We left there for so many reasons. All of which were not positive and I won't go into them here. However, Aloha is great! They love the kids here. They are friendly. They answer all our questions and they teach the kids how to groom, tac, saddle, walk the horses. Clean the stalls. So many things as well as riding. Our son loves it here. I'm so happy we switched. It's been like night and day compared to the other place. And Kim is knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the rider and her horses. All the trainers are patient and are not volunteers. They are paid employees who are skilled. It's wonderful. And they have a place for the parent to sit and watch comfortably. We love it. read more

Aloha Riding Lessons - Horseback Riding Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kim is a great riding instructor. Not only does she teach both our daughters how to ride (Western or English), but she makes sure they learn how to groom, put on the tack and saddle before getting on the horse. This is so important, because knowing how to handle a horse is just a critical as learning how to ride one. Plus, she is a huge advocate for safety. She makes sure all riders wear their helmet and that the helmet fits correctly, or they don't ride. I highly recommend Aloha Riding Lessons. read more

Aloha Riding Lessons - Keana and Kalia learning to ride at Aloha Riding Lessons - Horseback Riding Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I have only been a student at ARL for a little over a year but I have learned so much! Not only do you learn how to ride but you also learn all about groundwork and horsemanship. You learn how to clean stalls, groom horses, tack and untack, wash a horse, and so much more! They make learning extremely fun and interesting. All the horses there are super nice, well taken care of, and loved. Everyone there is awesome and super helpful. If something doesn't make sense or I need help, I can come to anyone and get a better understanding and work on it so I can later do it on my own. I want to give a huge thanks to Ms. Kim, the business owner, instructor, and the one who does it all! She is such a nice person and is always there to help. She has an amazing personality, a kind heart, and the biggest sense of humor. She makes sure everyone is happy and treated well. Everybody including me has a smile on their face when they arrive and when they leave. ARL is one big ohana and I'm happy to be a part of it. read more

Kim & Jordan are awesome . My 11 year old went to a 3 day camp here, and then started weekly riding lessons. I love the way Kim is so involved. We've done lessons at one of the other horse riding lessons places in the area, and Kim is a cut above. My daughter has learned so much in only 3 lessons!! read more

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I give this place a fat zero. Oh at first all is hunky dory until you notice that you are spending more time paying $100 per session to clean stalls and groom horses while riding oh maybe once a month. Kim will just tell you it is "too bad, it is in the contract that you may not be riding," but the truth is she just seems too lazy to give a lesson on a hot day. AND, there are no makeup lessons on a horse either, you will be doing more cleaning. Be very careful if you decide to go there. The charge is three month increments and she'll kick you out if you even question her about the lack of what's are supposed to be "horse riding lessons" and keep your money. And there is no recourse for the slave labor you are made to do. Be very aware, if Kim doesn't like you, she will find a way to pick a fight and keep your money or threaten to take you to court to get it and then some. I am out an entire month of payment plus for exercising my right to free speech. After that I became a bully and was told not to come back not once, but twice, but only after I paid. But that wasn't enough, she also accused me of being "non-teachable," but this non-teachable person was not just told that this is not for them and call it a day, instead she still swindled me out of money. I had to contend with her harassing me and threatening to take me to court for even more before I finally lost my temper and left. Fun times in the aloha state. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE where they value their clients and are not extortionists. read more

This review is for Kim and her customer service... we have been corresponding through email over lessons for my 10 year old and she is so accommodating and full of ALOHA my daughter has been wanting to take lessons and Kim is very patient in answering all my questions. You can schedule to go preview the stables and she charges $45 a hour for students and adults. They are located in Waimanalo and she said most kids take a hour a week lesson. Such a fun idea for Summer this year ! Mahalo Kim read more

Cross-posting my Google review. PLEASE READ if you are considering this barn. I STRONGLY DO NOT recommend this place as the owner cares about money but not people. Plus, a lot of things stated in Yelp are all untrue: 1. lesson is $125 per hour not $60; 2. they don't accept credit card, only Venmo full amount in advance; 3. staff don't wear masks; 4. definitely not open to all as Kim sets her own rules for which student to take. Original post: Kim might be a great instructor but she's not very nice. She would not refund you no matter what, even if they didn't provide any service. They want you to learn your lesson to read paperwork and they would punish you for not reading it. No matter what you say or do, they wouldn't allow you to work with them ever again just because you don't read paper, and they don't believe you would learn your lesson and read paper, which I found is ridiculous. Everyone, they don't let you ride in evaluation, which I found also ridiculous because the place is called Aloha Riding Lessons. No Aloha and no riding. Good luck, Kim! Kim's reply: You showed up not having waivers which were specifically stated to read and sign to bring with you. When dealing with 1000 lb animals it is imperative our students can follow directions for safety! In our litigious society we must take the safety of our students first and foremost. This would be the same for anybody that shows up and is not prepared with waivers! Updates: 1. At the spot, I apologized for not having waivers ready, and I proposed to provide you with waivers signed digitally instead as a solution but you refused to it. Digital version would function equally and legally. There is no ground for you to refuse it. 2. "We would do an evaluation lesson to make sure we are a good fit, from there should we both decide to move forward you can book as many or as few lessons as you like. Lessons are $125.00 an hour, one on one. Let me know if you would like to book the evaluation. " This is the exact words that you replied to my inquiry about lessons. You urged me to venmo you the full amount right after I expressed interest. First of all, it is NOT explicit to me that evaluation means NO horse riding. I have been to at least 5 different barns in the past year. Every single one had me ride to evaluate what level is my riding skills. I would say it is a FRAUD that you don't make it clear that evaluation = no ride but only get to know you. Second, even if I found out later that I was not going to ride, there is no way to get my money back because it had already gone thru venmo. 3. Initially, when you heard that I forgot to bring waivers with me, you offered rescheduling. It was really nice of you - and it was the only nice thing that you said to me. However, when I asked if rescheduling is still an option after I found out that you wouldn't refund a penny, you said no. The reason is that you want me to learn a lesson to read 4 attachments of 12 pages in an email which could have gone to spam, with the payment of $125. Even if I said I have learned the lesson and promised to read, you wouldn't reschedule because you assumed that I don't read English. I feel discriminated due to my Asian name. You don't really want to work with me or any students (because you mentioned you wouldn't refund even if your student can't show up because of sickness). You just want money. Based on how lack of empathy you have, I genuinely doubt if your horses are in good care and safe to ride. I definitely do not recommend this place to anyone. I hope people find my review useful. That will make my $125 worth it read more

I'm an adult who came to Aloha Riding Lessons with a little bit of experience but it had been a while and I was nervous to start again. Kim and her staff and been very patient and kind with me. She helped me feel safe and comfortable on a horse again. Part of that comfort comes from the horsemanship, grooming, etc. she teaches which I think really makes a stronger connection between me and the horses. Kim is super experienced and knowledgeable!!! I've taken lessons from other places in the past and have been rushed, talked down to, brushed aside and over-charged. Kim and her staff are nothing like those places. I am treated like every other rider, no matter the age or experience. She creates a fun and safe lesson for me every time and her rates are more than fair. Every time I leave I'm exhausted but relaxed and very happy. I love having my "me time" at Aloha Riding Lessons and highly recommend it to anyone at any age or level of experience. I get excited just pulling up to the stables knowing that Kim and her staff are there ready to give me an amazing lesson! My only regret is not finding Aloha Riding Lessons sooner!! read more

Wow!! So I've been in search of riding lessons, which has been difficult since most of the places I found were just trail rides or party pony places. I really wanted legit lessons that teaches horsemanship and riding skills. I found Aloha Riding Lessons on Yelp and jumped in excitement to see they teach young, young kids. I contacted Kim immediately and indeed she was willing to take my 4.5 year old and even let my 2.5 year old twins try an intro lesson *happy tears* We just came back from our first lesson and I'm happy to report that lessons here are indeed legit and incredibly fun! My kids are gleaming with pride that they got an actual lesson, since given their age, they've only been able to try pony rides before this. First off, Kim and Troy are so nice and patient, and such great teachers. They even had really friendly helpers that made the lesson go super smoothly and safely. My oldest got a separate riding lesson and worked on balance and riding posture. She learned a lot and had a blast! The twins took turns riding around the ring, getting a feel for being on a horse and learned to hold their legs tight and get the horse to walk. I mean, how cool is that?? Afterwards they hopped off and got a lesson on horse care: grooming, combing, and feeding horses treats to their steeds. Just really a wonderful experience and they are already asking when we will go back haha Details: -Contact through email is sporadic depending on how busy Kim is since she doesn't carry her phone on her during lessons. But she always replies and was very helpful with my millions of questions. -Book your lessons as soon as you can since they get booked up quick -There's a lot of paperwork and rules to go through. It may seem like a lot, but it's definitely to set the correct expectations and make sure everyone and all the horses are safe and treated with respect. -No restroom facilities on site but there's a McD's nearby -***They are located differently than what google searches say. They are at the end of Kulaiwi Street in Waimanalo. If you punch in Kulaiwi St into your maps app, it'll take you right there. It's a beautiful setting! -Plenty of random free parking on site -$60/person/lesson - Lesson horses are very tame, even with the little ones -Their saddles have horns for the little ones to hold on to. I was also allowed to walk next to my twins, along with the teacher, to make sure they safely stayed on -They provide helmets if you let them know ahead of time -It's an outdoor ring so these lessons are weather dependent (since the area can flood) -They have 2 little friendly ponies that the kids (and I) love to pet next to the ring read more

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I have only been taking lessons with Aloha Riding since January and within the few months I have gained so much knowledge about horsemanship and riding. I leave with such an awesome feeling after every lesson and it truly is the best part of my week. I have taken lessons in the past and my last trainer was a bit intimidating which doesn't work well for me, so I really appreciate Kim and her staff because she has created a fun and friendly environment and I feel like I am progressing with every lesson. Overall I have had a very positive experience taking lessons here and would recommend them to anyone who is interested in riding! read more

Outstanding in every way! A fun and inviting atmosphere with lovely horses that are well cared for. I would gladly recommend Aloha Riding to anyone. Thank you so much for all that you do. read more

Kim and the whole team are awesome! Their depth of equestrian knowledge is considerable, and their program is beautifully run. This is absolutely one of the best on the islands! read more

Had the strangest interaction with Kim. I was close to booking the Pony Ride for my 5 year old daughter and was e-mailing back and forth with Kim. I was ready to book so she asked me to venmo her $70 + $10 if my daughter needed to borrow a helmet. I nicely asked her if she would honor the price on the website that currently says it's $60 and she responds back with "No sorry that is old, I am not sure this is a good fit." WHAT IS THAT?! Seems odd that somehow she's upset at me for asking about a price that is listed on their website. Will be looking for another location. I hope they don't treat others like this. read more

Auntie Kim and all the barn girls have been amazing with my daughter. She started as a complete beginner not even 7 yrs old and now almost a year later she is so confident and in love with all things horse- grooming and riding and cleaning stables! I can't thank her and the wonderful trainers enough for all they share and teach. read more

The team at Aloha Riding Lessons is the best. My 8-year old son has been taking lessons for the last 7 months. As someone who grew up riding, it was particularly important to me to find a stable that focused on strong horsemanship, safety, and setting up the building blocks for a lifetime relationship with horses. Kim and her team met my expectations and more! They're very hands on, but encourage beginners to build their confidence and self-reliance in grooming, tacking, leading, and caring for the horses. Riding becomes a natural progression of these important lessons. Kim and her team always put safety first, and teach kids to respect the physical and mental needs of the horses they are interacting with. A couple of notes: if you're looking for a barn that has the same horse and instructor every week, have an expectation that you're going to ride the full lesson, or be cantering by week 2, this isn't the place for you. But if you're interested in horsemanship and building strong riding skills in a supportive and knowledgeable environment, I can't recommend Kim and her team enough. I've seen my son grow in self-confidence and responsibility since starting lessons. I couldn't ask for a better place for him to learn and grow. read more

Words cannot express the looks on my kids faces when they got to ride the pony's. First off thanks to kim and her crew for having us. We had 6 kids total there and Kim taught the kids from brushing the pony's to explaining the do's and do not's for proper technique for my children. Then they rode the pony and also a bigger horse which they loved. Then after that they let us feed the horses. The prices is for sure worth it as well as the experience. My kids ranged from 3 to 9 and my god son was 2. We will for sure be back because they cannot stop talking about it. Thank you so much Kim. read more

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Just took my kids here last month. Unfortunately both teachers weren't wearing masks the entire time we were there while conversing with our family (all 4 of us masked) instructing the kids and teaching them:( We won't be going back...were in a pandemic! read more

I don't know how to highlight how amazing school this is to learn! I wish I could give 1000 stars :) I have ridden for years in 10+ ranches and never had such a lovely experience. 1. The instruction is high class (this is important) 2. The horses are really well cared for and kind. (Oh how many times I've had to work with angry horses who bite and kick and here I don't have to worry about it.) I can really bond with all the horses. 3. I was a bit rusty coming in and the way I was guided through everything was just so nice!!! I can't express it. So big mahalo and I again can not recommend this school more!! It's good for the experienced rider as Kim is just another level of a teacher, and perfect for the one who is starting from scratch read more

Aloha Riding is an amazing ranch to visit. Kim is super accommodating and willing to work with you for an amazing riding experiance. I wouldn't have my kids take lessons with anyone else. read more

After years of searching we have finally found a great place for my daughter to ride and learn all aspects of horse care. We have had trouble connecting with other places on Oahu and thought for a while that my daughter had to give up her interest in horses. Kim is such a wonderful instructor and very passionate about teaching everything the rider needs to know to be safe and responsible around horses as well as how to be a better rider. It's easy to book lessons (via email) and everybody are so friendly and welcoming. We are hoping to continue regular lessons. read more

My daughter has been taking a few lessons here and absolutely loves it! She came in with experience on horses and Kim was able to adjust to her skill level to pick up where she left off. The barn has a very welcoming and laid back vibe and you can tell that Kim loves kids and her horses. All the instructors are super friendly and knowledgeable! They can match you to the perfect horse for your ability and personality. I would definitely recommend Aloha riding lessons to anyone who wants to hang out with some ponies and learn a thing or two! read more

Absolutely the best riding lessons for O'ahu island!!! The team is extremely knowledgeable, passionate and professional.

An amazing place to take riding lessons, you will not be disappointed! Kim and Troy go above and beyond for their students. I couldn't imagine my daughter going anywhere else. read more

Aloha, I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Kim and Troy from our Heart my Grandson 6 years old we love them very much. They have so much Aloha make you feel like family and at home. My grandson takes horse lesson's from Kim she's an amazing teacher the best person ever met. Kim's teaching skills are the best my grandson lesson's is one hour (IT'S SO WORTH IT). The first fifteen to twenty minutes before he rides any of the Horse's, Kim educates my grandson all about the horse's all of there different personality, how to feel them and understand them, groom them, put there saddles on, hoof divided into regions and food they love ect.... Kim has Big and miniature horse's then the next's Thirty to Forty Minutes my grandson riding anyone of the horse's that smile on his face bring so much joy to my heart proud of him my grandson. Thank you Kim so much for being a Amazing, Great Awesome outstanding Teacher, Thank you Kim and Troy for everything you've done for my Grandson. From: Chaezzen Kodama, Grandma Kaluna read more

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