Here at The Bedford Mom we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month we are proud to feature Sarah Stone, a mom of two, who gives back to the Bedford community through her work as the co-founder and director of Gage Farm Schoolhouse. Learn all about her below!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Sarah Stone and I live in town with my husband, Aaron, and our two sons, Andrew, 8, and
Blake, 6. I am the director and co-founder of Gage Farm Schoolhouse, a new private preschool and
kindergarten. We also offer a theater and tutoring programs for children ages 3-10 and a summer
program offered for ages 3-12. We are located right over the border of Bedford on Wallace Road in
Goffstown NH, which is five minutes from the Wallace Road and New Boston Road intersection in
Bedford. I was raised in Bedford and have lived here for the entirety of my life. I feel blessed to now
raise my own family here and give back to the community that I have cherished for the past forty years. I
enjoy staying involved with Bedford sports, going to Lake Sunapee, and spending time with my family
and friends.
Tell us about your work!
For the past 14 years, I have been teaching Kindergarten and First Grade in the Manchester School
District. I am passionate about promoting inclusion, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a positive
school environment. While I have loved my role as a teacher, I knew taking this next step in creating
Gage Farm Schoolhouse with Ashley Gile would allow me to share my passion with the community that
helped raise me to be the person I am today. Without all the support from my loving family and friends, I
wouldn’t be where I am today or have the ability to create such a special school. Our school’s philosophy prioritizes our students while they explore, connect, and grow with their peers. In support of our students’ transition to elementary school, we aim to promote academic growth by building confidence and focusing on their social and emotional development. We also promote outdoor education throughout our fifteen acres, in our outside classroom, and on nature trails that lead out to a beautiful brook which stretches along the back of our entire property. I am thankful for the opportunity to instill the love of learning into the hearts of these young minds as I myself experienced years ago in the Bedford School District.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
My favorite local spots in Bedford are the Inside Scoop, River Road Tavern, Simply Delicious Bakery,
Flight, Rig A Tony’s and the one and only Pizza Bella, as it brings back so many memories of going there
as a child. I also love the Bedford Library and Town Pool as I was once a Barracuda on the Bedford Swim
Team, as well as my beautiful church Bedford Presbyterian Church that sits on the top of the hill in the
center of town. My church family has been such a huge support to me over the years and I couldn’t be
more appreciative of their love and support with every chapter of my life.
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
My favorite way to practice self-care is to get outside and hike the Bedford trails with my family and
friends. We enjoy the trails across from Benedictine Park, Joppa Hill Farm, and Pulpit Rock. I also enjoy
going out to dinner with my family and friends and enjoying time snuggled up with my children and
husband watching a good family movie and eating popcorn.
What brought you to Bedford?
My family moved to Bedford when I was 11 months old. I moved outside of Boston after graduate school
and then eventually moved to Manchester with my fiance Aaron. When deciding to start a family and
looking to buy our very first home, we knew there was no better place than Bedford with the amazing
school district and community to help raise our children.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
Even though Bedford has grown tremendously in the past 40 years, it still has a small town feel that
brings me and my family a sense of comfort and support from all the wonderful people we have met
here. I love all that Bedford has to offer; from the school district and athletics to all the fun and engaging
children activities. I also love that there are so many of my peers and family members who have chosen
to remain or return to Bedford after all these years to raise their own families in our special town. It is so
fun when I am out and about in Bedford, to see people I grew up with and their children, as well as
their parents at the grocery store, local restaurants and sporting events.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms, new moms, or moms who are new in town?
My advice for moms who are new to Bedford and moms who are expecting their first baby is to get
involved! Bedford is a special place and getting involved will help you meet the wonderful people who
live here. For example, you can tour all of the amazing preschools in our community, join a mom’s group or your child’s PTG, volunteer at Joppa Hill Farm. You can also join one of our wonderful church families, visit one of our many local playgrounds or Bedford Library and meet other families, or volunteer as a coach or team mom. I recommend spending time at Inside Scoop, Simply Delicious Bakery or Flight and enjoying a special treat with your family. Getting involved helps you connect with neighbors and meet new friends.