scuola media
feminine
Middle school in Italian is scuola media.
The term refers to a school containing both primary and secondary students.
Meaning: school containing both primary and secondary students (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term scuola media literally translates to 'middle school', where media functions as 'middle' or 'intermediate'.
Which one should you use?
While scuola media refers specifically to the middle school level, scuola secondaria di primo grado is the more formal, technical name for the same educational stage.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of scuola media is scuole medie.
Did you know?
- If you see a sign for scuola media in Italy, do not confuse it with a 'media school' for journalists, which would be called a 'scuola di giornalismo'.
- The final year of scuola media concludes with an official state exam called the esame di terza media, which is a significant rite of passage for Italian children.
- In Italy, the scuola media is the first time students typically encounter a diverse range of specialized teachers, as primary school is often led by a single teacher for all subjects.
Examples in context
- Odio la scuola media.I hate middle school.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for scuola media.Tatoeba #8378747 by Guybrush88, translation #7361283 by Cottonee0418
- La promozione dalla scuola elementare alla scuola media è vista da alcuni come il primo passo verso la maturità.The graduation from elementary school to middle school is regarded by some as the first step towards adulthood.This sentence describes the transition from elementary school to scuola media.Tatoeba #433536 by tiguliano, translation #400869 by Grayster
- Vado alle MedieI'm going to middle school
- Mio fratello frequenta la Scuola MediaMy brother attends middle school
- Studiavo alla Scuola Secondaria di Primo GradoI used to study at middle school
- Mio fratello frequenta la scuola media.My brother attends middle school.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their education in a park.
- GiuliaDove studia tuo fratello?Where does your brother study?
- MatteoVa alla scuola media vicino a casa.He goes to the middle school near home.
- GiuliaÈ una buona scuola media?Is it a good middle school?
- MatteoSì, è molto organizzata.Yes, it is very organized.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle school” translations and entries scuola media, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
