Recently, the school completed the final phase of its multimillion-dollar renovation with the addition of an 8-lane track and a turf football field.

The school is planning renovations to its tennis courts in the upcoming years, due in part to the girls' three-peat state champions.

The Boys' Outdoor Track Team has a tradition of excellent runners, winning a VHSL-record seven titles from 1935 to 1941.

Since 1948, John Handley High School has won a VHSL-record eight boys' titles, its last Group AA championship coming in 1993.

The 2009-2010 Handley football team went 12-1 for their whole season ending at the state semifinal in 2009, losing to Bruton High School 10-7 after two missed field goal attempts.