School spirit & history

School history

The school crest.

Handley Elementary School was opened in 1964. The district purchased the land and named the school in honor of Ida B. Handley, a long time resident of Rose Hill. After the Rose Hill School burned down, its students transferred to Handley Elementary. Bill Hardy became the first principal of Handley and served one year before moving to Central Elementary School. Our campus received improvements beginning in 2006. In 2017 Handley Elementary adopted the Texas ACE school program. During ACE, Handley focused on growing scholars through a combined vision that was focused heavily on academics with a strong sense of community. Having successfully completed the ACE program, in 2022 Handley transitioned to a STEM school model. Handley Elementary now incorporates STEM throughout the school. We focus on real world learning experiences that are hands-on and based in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. 

School colors

Red and black

School mascot

Black Panther