The Performing Arts take center stage at Davidsen Middle School "Center for the Arts.” In the heart of Westchase, our talented students shine in a variety of award-winning Performing Arts programs such as Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Dance and Visual Arts. In our new dance studio emerging stars can earn Physical Education credit. Our Scholar Quest high school credit courses and Electives engage all students with opportunities in Culinary Arts and Performing Arts as well as our AVID college readiness program. Through a variety of clubs and sports teams, our diverse student population connects outside of the classroom. Our Sixth Grade Structure creates a supportive transition into middle school, starting with our half-day summer transition camp, where new students learn our campus and meet our teachers—making them feel at home in their new learning environment. At Davidsen Middle School "Center for the Arts,” we put the spotlight on student success.

Peter (Pete) B. Davidsen was the son of Danish immigrants whose family moved to Florida in the 1920's. He was a star athlete with a special talent in football that earned him a scholarship at the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelors of Science in 1959 and his Masters of Science in 1960. He was hired at Plant High School in Tampa in the Fall of 1960 as a teacher and Assistant Coach in Football. He remained at Plant throughout the spring of 1968 where he served Plant as Dean of Boys and the Assistant Principal. In March of 1968, Pete went to Madison Junior High School as Principal. He remained there until he took the Principal position at Robinson High School in 1971. In 1977, Pete left Robinson to become the General Director for Area 1 for the district. In 1985, he was assigned to Area 3. His service at the district level included 12 years as General Director, 4 years from 1989 to 1993 until his retirement in 1995 as Deputy Superintendent.

He was known for his high academic standards and his high standards for the way our employees are to work with our students and our community. He was a visionary in so many ways. He was a leader who not only demanded excellence but worked tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure that excellence was achieved. He worked with other leaders to help them grow and modeled the "right" way to do things. He was extremely loved throughout his career but his superior abilities as a leader were highlighted as he moved into district leadership positions.