Academic Team membership is open to all students grades 9-12. Tryouts are held during the fall, and team members are chosen in an in-school competition. In the selection process, students participate in head to head competitions very similar to the academic matches in which they perform if they make the team. Toss up questions given are based on math, science, history and English, along with trivia, sports, art, culture, current events, etc. Points are accumulated according to the number of questions an individual answered correctly in the competition. Note that knowledge AND speed are important in Academic Team tryouts (and competitions) as points are awarded for the one who knows the correct answer first. The students with highest total number of points will be selected as members of the Academic team. There are usually six members chosen for the team since that is the number allowed to compete in state tournaments.

The HHS Ambassadors serve as the official hosts of Handley High School. They represent their school and serve as a positive role model to their fellow students. They assist with various school-related activities, promote school spirit, and help facilitate communication between students, teachers,  administrators, as well as the community. HHS Ambassadors participate in welcoming new students, organizing events, and embodying the values and culture of HHS.

The Anchor Club of Handley High School is a service organization for students from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes. It is sponsored by the Pilot Club of Roanoke. The purpose of this club is to develop leadership among the girls and to be of service to the school and community. Members are chosen on the basis of scholastic standing, good character, and leadership. The colors are green and gold.

Handley High School offers both Marching Band and Concert Band to students.

The Drama Club is a class that provides an opportunity for students to express themselves in a creative manner . This class is operated on the sports model in which students audition and have to be accepted.  It meets during the day, and students earn grades for their work. This organization presents programs and plays to the student body as well as to the community.

Establishing esports in high school enables students to do what they love and provides them with additional opportunities to earn recognition while developing priceless critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Benefits of high school esports includes:

F.C.S. is open to any student (athlete or non-athlete) attending Handley High School. Most meetings are held during the activity period at school; however, some morning meetings are held before school, starting at 7:30. Activities vary from guest speakers to group activities, discussions, and videos. The goal of each meeting is to help students grow spiritually and to teach them how to support other members and students. 

HHS ladies in grades 9-12 are eligible to sing in this after school women's chorus. Founder and Director Kathy Murphy started this chorus five years ago for singers who were in the HMS choruses under her leadership and who wanted to continue using their voices in high school. The Harmonics present two concerts a years and sing throughout the community for special events. They are often used as chorus members when needed in our musical productions by the HHS Theatre Department. There is no charge to be in The Harmonics; however, attendance at our once a week rehearsal is key to the success of this group. Band students and some athletes can join and still have time to practice.

The Handleyan, the school annual, is a yearly project of the yearbook staff.  It contains pictures and other records of events through the year, and will be cherished in later years for the memories it holds.

The Handley High School Graphic Arts Organization focuses on design, creativity, diversity and inclusion. Our organization seeks to increase student engagement through live creative works and digital design, while learning applications and techniques for success. Members will collaborate with the community, coordinate guest speakers, plan events, schedule graphic activities, and attend field trips to better understand the graphic arts industry.

The Interact Club is sponsored by the Roanoke Rotary Club, which provides support and guidance.  New members are added each year and are selected based on their ability and desire to serve others.

The Interact Club completes at least two community service projects.  Like Rotary, the goals of this club are to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and  peace" (www.rotary.org).

Purpose:  Mu Alpha Theta, which is sponsored by professional mathematics organizations, including the Mathematical Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, is a non-secret organization whose purpose is the promotion of scholarship in, and enjoyment and understanding of, mathematics among high school and two-year college students.

Admission:  High school students in grades 9 through 12, at the school where their permanent record resides, who have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college preparatory mathematics and in addition have completed or are enrolled  in a still more advanced course, are eligible for full membership providing their mathematical work was done with distinction.  Each member should have an 88 or above average in previous math classes.

Rules:  Each member must pay $20 for dues and must actively participate in fundraisers and school activities sponsored by Mu Alpha Theta.

Katherine Mickle Chapter 

  Membership in the Katherine Mickle Chapter of the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors that Handley High School students can achieve. Standards for membership are set by the organization's national office.  New members will be chosen each year after the first trimester's grades are reported.  Only juniors and seniors on the advanced diploma with a 3.5 GPA or above are eligible.  Equally important, the new members must have exhibited leadership, character, and service during their high school years.  Scholarship alone does not qualify one for membership in the National Honor Society.

  Those students eligible scholastically will be asked by the sponsor to fill out a student activity information sheet where they will provide information about their activities in the areas of leadership, character, and service.  A five-member faculty council appointed by the principal will review the information provided by the student in the form.  The administration nor the sponsor will ever serve on the faculty council.  The faculty council will also review student disciplinary records, student conduct grades, and faculty evaluation sheets so that they may make a sound, professional judgment regarding selection or non-selection of members.

Once selected, members must maintain the 3.5 GPA and good conduct and disciplinary record.  Those who fall short in one of these areas will be reviewed by the faculty selection committee and be placed on probation for one trimester.  The member will have one trimester to reach the required GPA or improve their conduct/disciplinary record or they will be permanently removed from the organization.

The Student Government Association exists to give students more voice in matters concerning them and can be useful in gaining support in school policies.

The S.G.A., with its membership of 9th through 12th graders, is composed of elected officers, class representatives, and a faculty sponsor.

Members of the S.G.A. are to be, and should be, called upon whenever a problem arises concerning school matters.  It is hoped that the Student Government Association can be of service to all students in the coming year.

They will help with picture days and also with orientation of new students.

The Tiger Cafe offers real world work experience based on the Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards.  These experiences allow our students to engage and interact with others in a mock home/working environment.  The students are working to develop skills that are necessary for transition from high school to independent living and the workplace: cleaning, cooking, counting money, and shopping.   These students also are developing public relations with a variety of people (fellow students, teachers, administrators, business leaders, and community members).