by MaryMichael Hough

After a record amount of 230 girls took the High School Placement Test at STA, the administration was forced to turn away about 50 of the testers in an effort to keep classes small and allow for a more productive learning environment.

Every year many eighth graders take the High School Placement test at STA in hopes of being able to become a part of the next freshman class. According to president Nan Bone, in the last two years the amount of applicants experienced a significant rise and the administration found themselves turning away more girls than in past years.

The current freshman class is the largest at STA with 162 girls. Ten years ago, in 1992, the amount of freshman had more than 40 fewer than that. According to Bone, while the administration does feel that capping enrollment is necessary, they are grateful that such a large amount of girls are interested in STA.

“It’s a little scary, but its a good scary, I mean, you know, wow everybody loves us and we are the best school in Kansas City,” Bone said.

Bone believes that capping the amount of girls accepted is for the benefit of the STA students and their education.

“We like the closeness that the teacher has with all of her students,” Bone said. “[Capping enrollment] also allows students to get to know and understand their peers better.”

Bone also states that even with the new additions to the campus, STA’s facilities are still not large enough to provide and care for the necessary needs of a greater amount of students.

According to Bone, the administration made the decision to hire four more teachers after the current freshman class enrolled because of the amount of students in the Class of 2016. Math teacher Kelsey Ryan was at first offered a part time position and is now teaching full time and English teacher Dianne Hirner will go from being a part time teacher to teaching full time next year.

According to director of admissions Roseanne Hudnall, each year the administration has a target number of students for the incoming year. Taking the 135 seniors graduating this year into consideration, the administration has decided that the ideal number of incoming freshman would be around 160.

While turning away so many applicants leaves the administration uneasy, Hudnall believes that those turned away will be able to find happiness anywhere.

“We are the best school for many, many girls, and I love seeing them in August so excited to be here,” Hudnall said. “But, we are fortunate that there are wonderful high schools here in Kansas City, so though I am sad I won’t get to know [girls who are unable to attend STA], I know they will love their high school years wherever they land.”