The extent to which people abhor or admire patriotism in the schools depends on how it is taught. If educators teach it narrowly as jingoistic, uncritical self-praise of the nation, then such instruction is wrong. It would be indoctrination rather than education. If, however, they teach civic education and define patriotism as a respectful understanding and appreciation of the principles and practices of democratic self-government, then patriotism should be woven through the daily life and teachings of the public schools. America has long relied on its public schools to teach young citizens about the workings of a self-governing democracy. But does this entail teaching "patriotism"? In this article, the author believes that it should--as long as students learn to appreciate their country without ignoring its faults.