Civic education is at the heart of America’s efforts to strengthen patriotism and rebuild young people’s understanding of the nation’s history and democratic values. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, there is growing concern about how well students are learning the essentials of citizenship, alongside a hopeful push to address these gaps.
The Decline in Civic Knowledge and Patriotism
More than seven in ten Americans believe that K-12 public schools are doing only a fair or poor job of preparing students to be good citizens. The National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that eighth grade students scored at an all-time low in both civics and history. These tests measure knowledge of government, democratic participation, historical events, and central ideas, and their results have sparked nationwide concern.
At the same time, national pride has fallen. A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 39 percent of U.S. adults said they were extremely proud to be American, down from 55 percent in 2001. The gap between age groups is striking: while half of those over 55 feel this extreme pride, only 18 percent of adults aged 18 to 34 say the same.
Other polls echo these findings. In 2023, a Wall Street Journal-NORC survey revealed that only 38 percent of respondents said patriotism was very important to them, a sharp decline from 70 percent in 1998. Although many younger Americans support democracy’s core principles, only 16 percent feel it works well for them, and a worrying 11 percent think political violence is sometimes needed for progress.
What’s Behind the Decline?
Experts suggest multiple reasons. Many schools do not provide students with a strong enough foundation in reading and critical thinking to help them engage with complex historical or civic texts. A RAND study of teachers revealed that fewer than half see teaching civic rights and responsibilities as a top priority. Instead, they focus more on promoting independent thinking and conflict resolution skills. Textbooks have also shifted away from teaching civic facts toward encouraging individual action in communities.
Common Ground for Change
Despite these challenges, there is broad support across the political spectrum for improving civic education. A University of Southern California poll found that both Democrats and Republicans agree on the importance of teaching topics like the Constitution, civil arguments, and honoring veterans. Likewise, parents overwhelmingly want their children to learn about the country’s founding ideas and to study historical figures honestly. Pew Research Center data also shows that majorities of both Biden and Trump supporters value discussions of America’s strengths as well as its shortcomings.
Promising Efforts to Rebuild Civic Education
A variety of organizations are leading the charge to improve civic education and foster greater patriotism:
- iCivics Education is developing a K-12 roadmap for teaching civics and history and leads a large coalition working to expand civic education.
- The National Association of Scholars offers civics curricula through its Civics Alliance.
- More in Common’s Beacon Project draws on research to reshape civic education and obligations.
- The American Identity Project provides recommendations for strengthening patriotism by teaching both America’s failures and its democratic progress.
- The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has created a model for community-based civics programs.
- Stanford University’s Hoover Institution launched a network of higher education instructors focused on civic learning.
- The National Constitution Center, in partnership with Khan Academy, offers an interactive high school curriculum on the Constitution, with middle school modules in progress.
A Path Forward
As America approaches its 250th birthday, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to reviving civic education in ways that balance an honest view of the nation’s history with pride in its democratic principles. Civic learning today goes beyond textbooks, including community service, debate clubs, and national service programs. If these initiatives succeed, the country may not only celebrate its past in 2026 but also lay the foundation for a stronger, more informed, and engaged future.
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