A new team will lead the Locust Grove Primary and Elementary Schools when the 2026-27 school year starts in August.
On Tuesday, superintendent Dr. Daniel Hornick announced the appointments of Allison Ellis as the new principal of Locust Grove Elementary School and Kaitlyn Fake as the new principal of Locust Grove Primary School, both effective July 1.
Ellis was hired just prior to the start of the current school year as an assistant principal at Orange County High School. She brings more than a decade of experience to her role, along with a deep passion for student success, instructional excellence and leadership development. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a masters degree in education leadership with concentration as a math specialist from George Mason University. She taught in elementary school for four years before transitioning to the middle school level teaching math, spending five years in Title I schools in Prince William County. She became a math specialist with Stafford County Public Schools in 2001. Ellis recently earned a post-master’s certificate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
She will be taking on the principal role from Dr. Jay Snyder who was also hired at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. Snyder will transition to an assistant principal role at Orange County High School.
Fake brings a strong background in early childhood education and instructional leadership to her new role at Locust Grove Primary School. She has served as a kindergarten teacher, team leader, post behavioral interventions and supports coach, mentor and assistant principal at Orange Elementary School. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Radford University and a Master’s degree in early childhood and early childhood special education. She also has an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from Old Dominion University. Throughout her career, Fake has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, positive school culture and collaborative leadership.
“OCPS looks forward to the leadership, vision and commitment Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Fake will bring to their respective schools and the broader Locust Grove community,” Hornick said in a press release.
Fake takes over the principal role from Lee Finger who has been appointed the assistant principal of Locust Grove Elementary School. Sonya Walsh, who is currently the assistant principal at Locust Grove Elementary School, will take over as assistant principal at Orange Elementary School.
