FAQ – Mariner Learning Collaborative

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have questions before joining. To help you decide if Mariner Learning Collaborative is right for you, we've compiled answers to the most common questions we receive about our program.

Have more questions?

If you still haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, please contact Ross Hill, the Director at Mariner Learning Collaborative, for further assistance.

What are the steps to register?

1. Call Ross - (843)-496-1113.
2. Set up a time to visit (preferably when we have students).
3. Schedule a date for your student to spend the whole day at Mariner to see if it is a good fit.
4. Register as a homeschooler
5. Register with Mariner

How do I register my child as a homeschooler?

To enroll at Mariner, students must be registered through the state of SC as an "option 3" homeschooler. The process is easy and painless. You simply choose a homeschool association to join. (A homeschool association is like the district office of a public school that sets the documentation requirements you must follow to "keep you legal" as a homeschooler.) We highly recommend Grace Homeschool Association on West Palmetto St. in Florence. They are very helpful and friendly and can answer all of your homeschool questions. Grace Homeschool Association

Can I get help with documentation?

Absolutely, we can offer support with assigning grades and creating report cards, keeping worksamples, and keeping track of attendance.

What about grades?

While Mariner does assign grades for some classes, ultimately they are just feedback for parents. Homeschool parents are legally responsible for assigning the final grades for their students.

Can my child earn a highschool diploma?

Yes, We help students earn all the credits they need for a highschool diploma.

What supplies do they need?

It depends on the classes they take, but typically they would just need paper, pencil, maybe a 3 ring binder and/or folders to organize things.

Do they need a computer or tablet?

Generally, No. Students are not required to have a device, but some classes may require one, like Digital Art.

Do you provide the curriculum or do we need to purchase that ourselves?

Mariner provides textbooks and curriculum for all classes except Math and English. Parents choose the curriculum that is best for their child and budget. We can offer some recommendations if you aren't sure where to start.

SC law says that homeschool students are supposed to have 180 days of instruction but Mariner is only open 140 days or so. Do I have to teach them at home for the other days?

No. SC law requires 180 days of instruction, but that does not require you to teach them lessons (unless you want to). Mariner students can continue the work they were doing at school while they are at home, so it counts as a day of instruction. Actually, any learning that you document can count as a day of instruction (finishing some math worksheets, reading a book, cooking, helping with a house project, going on a family vacation to a historic site or nature preserve). Any learning counts as a school day.

Do you provide lunch?

No, students will need to bring their own lunch each day.

What does a typical day look like?

In the mornings, students work independently but with support on their English and Math curriculum. If they have questions or get stuck, we are here to help. In between, we all meet together for a 30-minute devotional where we read the Bible, have a brief lesson or guest speaker, and pray. Later, students have 45 minutes for lunch and time outside. In the afternoons, students take science and social studies classes or electives that they choose from. Anything from Painting, Apologetics, Entrepreneurship, Tinker Shop, or Critical Thinking and much more.