Italian Phrase
A che ora finisce la scuola?
Meaning
This question asks for the specific time when school ends for the day. It’s a practical phrase you’ll use when coordinating after‑school activities or simply satisfying curiosity about the school schedule.
When to use
Use it when speaking with classmates, teachers, or parents to find out the exact dismissal time. It works in both informal chats and more formal settings like a parent‑teacher meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acheorafiniscelascuola?
A che ora
Phrase used to ask the exact time something happens. Literally 'at what hour'.
finire (3ª pers. sing.)
Verb meaning 'to finish/end'. Conjugated as 'finisce' for he/she/it.
la scuola
Definite article + noun meaning 'the school'.
🗨In Conversation
A che ora finisce la scuola?
At what time does school end?
Finisce alle tre e mezza, ma per gli sportivi è alle quattro.
It ends at three thirty, but for athletes it’s at four.
✕Common Mistakes
A che ora è la scuola?
Use 'finisce' or 'termina' to ask when it ends; 'è' asks what the school is.
Che ora finisce la scuola?
Missing the preposition 'A' which is required for time‑of‑event questions.
A che ora finisce scuola?
The definite article 'la' is needed before 'scuola'.
↔Alternatives
Quando finisce la scuola?
When does school end?
A che ora termina la scuola?
At what time does school finish?
A che ora chiude la scuola?
At what time does the school close?
Cultural Tip
In most Italian regions primary and middle schools finish between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm, while high schools often go until 4:00 pm or later, especially if there are extracurricular activities. In the north, a longer lunch break ("pranzo") can push the end time later. When asking a teacher, it’s polite to add "per favore" or use a slightly more formal tone.