Today we’d like to introduce you to Ross Hill.
Hi Ross, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ross Hill. I am the founder and director of Mariner Learning Collaborative. I have over 15 years of teaching experience in public schools, charter schools, colleges and homeschool. I have taught in a variety of settings from pre-K and elementary age children’s church, VBS, and youth ministry, to middle school students, high school, college, and adults. I love learning new things and sharing that with others.
While I love teaching and working with adolescents, over the years I met many students and parents who were not happy with school as a whole and felt trapped in a system that did not work for them.
Throughout my career, I became more and more frustrated with the regulations and constraints placed on students and teachers that reduced education to a “one-size-fits-all” approach that not only sucked the joy out of learning but oftentimes hindered authentic learning. The goal of improving standardized test scores at the expense of deep engaging learning and children’s social, emotional, and spiritual well-being did not sit well with me. While I have had the pleasure of working with many caring professionals who really want what’s best for students, they also feel trapped in a system that often hinders their ability to do what’s best for their students. I began to see that the conventional system of schooling was not working not only for my students but also for my own children.
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Over time, I felt God was leading me to step out in faith and provide a comprehensive, individualized education to students based on Christian values, with a strong focus on those life skills that provide a pathway to a real vocation. Thus, Mariner was born. All of our students are registered as homeschoolers so that we have the freedom and flexibility to do what’s best for each student and their family rather than following one-size-fits-all mandates from the state department or district office.
At Mariner, students are ANCHORED in foundational academic skills and the fundamentals of the Christian faith, GUIDED and mentored by their parents, staff, and teachers, so that they are truly READY for life
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has NOT been a smooth road. God has been faithful to provide everything thing we needed exactly when we needed. However, it has required a lot of work and learning. I knew how to teach. I had to learn how to start a non-profit, recruit board members, hire staff, create policies, purchase insurance, file taxes, market, edit a website, seek out donations, and much more.
Some of the biggest struggles along the way have been refining our philosophy and mission and seeking out donors to help supplement tuition payments for parents who could not pay the full amount.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Mariner Learning Collaborative, we provide a comprehensive, individualized alternative to traditional schooling—designed especially for families who want something more meaningful, flexible, and grounded in Christian values.
What we do is simple, but rare: we combine mastery of academic fundamentals, real-life skills, and intentional character formation into one cohesive educational experience. Our students don’t just “pass classes”—they learn how to think, communicate, and live responsibly. For example, students at Mariner are expected to truly master multiplication, writing, and rhetoric, while also learning practical skills like changing a tire, managing money, cooking meals, or even pursuing internships aligned with their interests.
What we specialize in is individualized Christian education. Every student has a personalized learning plan and works with a mentor to pursue goals that actually matter to them—whether that’s taking advanced math, learning a trade, or exploring a future career path. We are not bound by standardized testing or rigid curricula, which allows us to adapt to each student’s pace and interests.
We’re known for creating an environment where students who struggled in traditional systems begin to thrive. Parents consistently report that their children become more confident, more independent, and genuinely excited about learning again. That transformation—from disengaged to motivated—is one of the clearest markers of our impact.
What we’re most proud of is the real-life readiness of our students. We don’t just prepare kids for tests—we prepare them for adulthood. Through biweekly field trips, service opportunities, workshops, and mentorship, students learn how to communicate, work, serve others, and pursue meaningful vocations.
What sets us apart is our combination of:
Freedom + accountability (students have ownership, but real expectations)
Academic rigor + practical skills (they can write a paper and fix a problem in the real world)
Community + individualized learning (mentorship, small groups, and strong relationships)
Faith-driven purpose (education aimed at helping students live productive Christian lives)
In short, we exist to help young people rediscover the joy of learning and build lives they are excited about—academically, practically, and spiritually.
What matters most to you?
Helping families educate their children in a way that encourages their Christian values and actually prepares them for all areas of life not just academics.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marinerlearningcollaborative.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089856922418
