Stephen Ly

Mid-Pacific is proud to welcome Stephen Ly as the new principal of its Middle and High Schools. With a rich personal history and a deep commitment to fostering community, innovation, and educational growth, Ly brings a fresh perspective and ambitious vision to the school. His journey to Mid-Pacific and the goals he’s set for the future, promise to build on Mid-Pacific’s strong foundation, while pushing the boundaries of what a forward-thinking school can achieve.

A Journey Rooted in Heritage and Family

Stephen Ly’s connection to Mid-Pacific began with his desire to return to the United States and be closer to his parents. Before Mid-Pacific, Ly served in leadership roles domestically and internationally, including in Vietnam and Singapore, which allowed him to embrace both his professional and personal heritage. However, despite his global experience, it was the sense of community and opportunity at Mid-Pacific that truly drew him in.

“I was searching for roles across the East and West Coasts, and Hawai‘i,” Ly recalls. “But Mid-Pacific stood out because of its emphasis on fostering long-term relationships and its commitment to innovation. I wanted to find a home—not just a school—and Mid-Pacific felt like a place where I could make a lasting impact.”

A Vision for Strengthening Community and Learning

Ly’s vision for Mid-Pacific aligns with the school’s vision around three key pillars: strengthening community, advancing deeper learning, and investing in educator growth. He believes these elements will help cultivate a caring and supportive environment for students, faculty, and families alike.

“I want to foster an environment where students are not only challenged academically, but are also supported in every aspect of their development,” he says. “That means creating long-term, meaningful relationships, clear expectations, and a safe space for taking risks and learning from failures.”

Ly has already set action steps in motion to bring this vision to life. He plans to introduce initiatives to celebrate students who demonstrate outstanding character, as well as increase opportunities for honest and difficult conversations within the community. These steps, he believes, will lay the foundation for a culture of openness, respect, and continuous improvement.

Fostering Innovation and Empowerment

At the heart of Ly’s philosophy is a belief in the power of innovation. He sees Mid-Pacific as a place where students and educators alike can take risks, explore new ideas, and embrace failure as a critical part of the learning process.

“Innovation comes from creating a climate where people feel empowered to take risks,” he explains. “It’s about modeling vulnerability, listening, and ensuring everyone feels they have a voice. When students and educators feel supported in their risk-taking, that’s when real growth happens.”

Under his leadership, Ly aims to integrate more opportunities for students to engage in technology and innovation, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. His vision also includes a focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and other forward-thinking initiatives that make Mid-Pacific unique.

Building a Culture of Care and Inclusivity

Creating a permanent, caring community at Mid-Pacific is at the forefront of Ly’s goals. He believes that by celebrating the small, everyday victories of students and encouraging open, honest conversations, Mid-Pacific can become a model for what a positive school culture should look like.

“We’re building a community that values inclusion, gratitude, and kindness,” Ly says. “Part of that is being clear about our expectations on what we encourage and what we will not tolerate. We want to ensure that every student feels cared for, included, and part of something bigger than themselves.”

Ly’s approach to fostering this inclusive culture includes storytelling, a tool he believes helps to build personal connections between students, educators, and families. By sharing personal experiences and celebrating positive actions, he hopes to inspire the entire Mid-Pacific community to strive for greater empathy and understanding.

Engaging Parents and Alumni

Recognizing the importance of parent and alumni engagement, Ly has already started exploring ways to bring these groups closer to the Mid-Pacific community. He plans to expand parent coffee events, increase opportunities for feedback, and further engage alumni in supporting student success.

“We want to align our success metrics with parent aspirations, ensuring that we’re looking beyond traditional academic achievements,” he says. “That includes character development, student engagement, and preparing our students for life after Mid-Pacific—whether that’s in college or any other endeavor.”

Ly also hopes to tap into the school’s strong international community, continuing to attract students from diverse regions while maintaining Mid-Pacific’s reputation as a global school with a forward-thinking, diverse outlook.

As he begins this journey with Mid-Pacific, Ly invites students, parents, alumni, and educators to join him in creating a community that is not only academically rigorous, but also compassionate, inclusive, and ready to tackle the challenges of the future together.

With the support of the Mid-Pacific community, Ly is confident that the school will continue to thrive as a leader in education. His commitment to fostering innovation, celebrating student success, and building a strong community will undoubtedly shape the future of Mid-Pacific for years to come.

Photo Caption: Amia ’34, Lai Ly, Stephen Ly, and Eli ’32.