PS 173 is a local school for children from pre-kindergarten through grade five. This school has many Chinese immigrants, some of which speak none or very little English prior to beginning school. Therefore, PS 173 takes special consideration for these students, and the teachers focus on these students, as well as students with special education needs. In 2008, PS 173 began a dual language program in which certain students are able to take their core classes in both Mandarin Chinese as well as English. This program applies to Chinese students and students who want to learn Chinese as a second language.