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Stahlman attributes the increase to "word of mouth" among families of students who attend school at Immaculate Conception.
"The strongest marketing tool we have is through our families," he said. "To me, the biggest thing in the community is word of mouth of parents to other parents about what a fine school we have - the biggest tool we have is our parents saying we have a great school. Which is true of course."
Stahlman, who also taught at Immaculate Conception for three years, said many people don't know much about Catholic schools and the differences and similarities with public schools. Prior to Immaculate Conception, Stahlman was the assistant principal at St. Francis Borgia Grade School.
Stahlman taught social studies at Union Middle School before he retired from the R-XI District after 28 years.
He said one benefit Immaculate Conception Grade School offers is a small class size. There are about 15-16 students per class in most grade levels.
He added that there are over 20 classroom teachers and music, physical education and computer instructors.
This year, the school added geography classes in the seventh and eighth grade, and an eighth-grade composition class.
Stahlman said the school has made strides to stay up to date with technology. The school has a full-size computer room that can accommodate an entire class.
He noted that because IC is a Catholic school, students must attend Mass several times a week and must take religion class. Stahlman said students can begin at Immaculate Conception and receive a Catholic education through college and remain in the area.
About half of those who graduate from IC go to Union High School and half attend Borgia High School.
Immaculate Conception Grade School was founded in 1902, Stahlman said. He noted that the former principal, Pat Corley, was the first lay principal - not a nun or member of the clergy - and he is the first lay male principal. Stahlman said funds are raised through tuition and books are purchased through the annual fall festival.
Technology needs are funded through the annual dinner/auctions, as well as through the school's golf tournament and the home and school association. Stahlman said IC offers boys and girls basketball for fourth through eighth grades, girls volleyball and cheerleading for sixth- through eighth-graders.
Stahlman added that the school offers a number of other extracurricular activities including music festivals, Christmas and spring programs, computer programs, fitness programs, a pro-life trip, speech competitions, Student Council, science fair and math, spelling and geography competitions, among other activities.
