Administrators' Message

Welcome to the Willow Springs Elementary School website! We are pleased you have stopped by our site to learn about the wonderful things that happen at our school. As you will see, we are a community that embraces a strong partnership with staff, parents, and students. Willow Springs prides itself on high academic goals and social expectations for all students. Our staff works collaboratively to meet the needs of all children. We are committed to providing a quality education for every child. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about our school, please let us know.

Listen to the 2023-24 Administrators Welcome Message

Welcome to our new Assistant Principal!   

Mrs. Laura Tapper joins us as an assistant principal as we start the 2023-24 school year. She began her teaching career in Texas where she was born and raised, and she is a native Spanish speaker. She has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 27 years as a classroom teacher in first, second, and third grades, and a specialist working with students across different grades and subject levels. As a teacher, she established a strong and respectful classroom community where students were encouraged to ask questions, be creative problem solvers, and engage with their learning in meaningful ways.

Mrs. Tapper comes to Willow Springs from Lees Corner Elementary where she has been the assistant principal for the past five years. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Cub Run Elementary for seven years and an assistant principal at Bailey's Elementary for the Arts and Sciences and Pine Spring School in Falls Church.

Mrs. Tapper believes that strong, positive, supportive relationships are the foundation of a successful academic career and a successful life. She is passionate about forming these relationships with students, staff, and parents so that everyone feels safe, seen, and accepted. As she often says, “When we feel our best, we can do our best!”

Outside of work, Mrs. Tapper loves spending time with her family, going to concerts and other special events with her teenage son, traveling, exploring cultures and cuisines, reading, watching movies, and being outside. She loves nature, science, and all animals, even snakes and lizards. Her favorite animals are dogs, especially her good boy, Fergus, and her new favorite animal, foxes!

Mrs. Tapper is excited about joining our Willow family as we reach new heights together!

Meet our Front Office Staff