Ara Shismanian joined GGCA as the Assistant Principal in the fall of 2020 and brought a wealth of experience to our school having served in 61 schools during his career. Currently a Doctoral Candidate at Morgan State University, he holds several degrees: a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Connecticut, and Advanced Certificate from Loyola University of MD, a Bachelor of Arts from Springfield College and a degree from Maryland Bible College. He is Maryland Certified, and served 26 years in the Baltimore City Public school system, a teacher for 18 years, an Administrator for 8 years, a curriculum specialist, and mentor of teachers. He also taught at Springfield Christian School in MA for 5 years, and our very own GGCA for 2 years. He is married to Terry, who is currently teaching history at GGCA. They have three daughters, Beth, Danielle, and Tara, and one grandson, Preston, a 7th grader at GGCA.