West Handley Elementary opened in 1954 with 12 classrooms, an art room, kindergarten room and library.  In 1983, the school became the location of the Professional Development Center for Staff Development and then became the home of the Alternative School.  In 1994, it returned to its original function as an elementary school.  In 2004 a new wing was added on to the back of the building adding another 10 classrooms.

The West Handley Elementary School mascot is the hoot owl and the school colors are purple and gold.

The mission of the teachers and staff of West Handley Elementary is to strive to continue to share and encourage our students to learn and participate in all classroom activities.  To realize that all students are not on the same page, that they are part of a larger community, that because of the diversity in the classroom we will have to continue and discover ways of teaching so that all students can and will learn.  To try to adapt the students to all phases of the classroom so that each students will find their own level of learning and work with each one accordingly.