Italian Phrase
Quando finisce la scuola?
Meaning
Literally “When does school end?” It can refer to the daily dismissal time, the end of a term, or the conclusion of the whole school year. The context determines whether the answer will be a clock‑time or a calendar date.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know the schedule – e.g., asking a classmate about the last day of classes, confirming the daily end‑time with a teacher, or planning a family trip around the school holidays.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandofiniscelascuola?
Quando (question word)
Used to ask about time; it does not change with gender or number.
Finisce (present tense)
Third‑person singular of the verb *finire* (to finish). In questions about a scheduled event you use the present simple.
La scuola (definite article + noun)
The definite article *la* agrees with the feminine singular noun *scuola*.
Word order in yes/no and wh‑questions
Italian keeps the subject after the verb in most wh‑questions: *Quando finisce…*
🗨In Conversation
Quando finisce la scuola?
When does school end?
Finisce il 20 giugno, quindi le vacanze iniziano subito dopo.
It ends on June 20, so the holidays start right after.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando finire la scuola?
The infinitive *finire* cannot be used in a direct question about a scheduled event; you need the conjugated form *finisce*.
Quando è finita la scuola?
Using the past tense *è finita* asks if school has already ended, not when it will end.
La scuola finisce quando?
While understandable, the natural order in Italian places the question word first.
↔Alternatives
A che ora termina la scuola?
At what time does school finish?
Quando termina l'anno scolastico?
When does the school year end?
Qual è l'ultimo giorno di scuola?
What is the last day of school?
Cultural Tip
In most of Italy the academic year runs from early September to mid‑June. The exact date can vary by region and by school type (primary, middle, high school). Summer holidays are a big family event, so Italians often plan trips or family gatherings around the *fine della scuola*. When speaking to a teacher, a slightly more formal version – *Quando termina l'anno scolastico?* – is preferred.