Palm Harbor elementary and middle schools managed to maintain or increase their grades this year, despite higher standards implemented by the Florida Department of Education.

The state released its annual school grades report for middle and elementary schools Tuesday. The grades reflect more rigorous standards and new achievement levels. The grading changes have resulted in some controversy in how student progress should be assessed and how students should be taught.

“What we have here is an accountability system in dire need of review and repair,” said Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Dr. John A. Stewart. “We can explain all we want to about why we’ve seen a drop in school grades this year, but bottom line, we absolutely must return the focus to our students and what’s best for them.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Gerald Robinson says the grades are a step in the right direction.

"This has been a year of tremendous change for Florida's students, teachers, and schools," said Robinson. "The high standards we have in place today will help our students prepare for college, the workforce and life."

Here's a look at the 2012 grades for Palm Harbor Schools-

• Curlew Creek Elementary "A" (increase from "B" in 2011)
• Cypress Woods Elementary "A" (same as 2011)
• Highland Lakes Elementary "A" (same as 2011)
• Lake St. George Elementary "B" (same as 2011)
• Ozona Elementary "A" (same as 2011)
• Sutherland Elementary "A" (same as 2011)
• Palm Harbor Middle School "A" (same as 2011)
• Joseph L. Carwise Middle School "A" (same as 2011)

Grades for high schools have not been released. 

Find information about your child's school at the Florida School Grades Web Page. The page includes links to School Accountability Reports, downloadable files on school and district performance outcomes, technical assistance guides, and additional resources on school performance.