As Toronto's two school boards try to balance their budgets, some parents are worried that English as a second language (ESL) courses might be on the chopping block. 

Ying Guo, who came to Canada with her family from China less than a year ago, said her 10-year-old son had a difficult time because he couldn't understand the teachers and his fellow students.

"He just crying and crying. He a very good student in China but when we came to Canada, he can't understand what the teacher talking about, other children."

Guo said things improved after six months of ESL assistance and insists the courses are essential for helping new immigrants live a better life in Canada.

"We can learn not only the language but the culture and history of Canada," says Guo.

Tam Goosen, who is part of the group called Campaign for Public Education, said it is unfair that funding for ESL is often diverted to pay for basics such as teachers' salaries and keeping lights on in schools.

"A lot of the parents come here to immigrate to Canada. Most will say they are here for the sake of the children so they can get a good education; so it is really incumbent upon us that that is the case."

The group wants the provincial government to restore adequate funding to public education to prevent drastic cuts to Toronto schools and adult programs.

It is also asking the province to revise the funding formula to prevent "systemic budget shortfalls."

Both the Catholic and Toronto school boards will be making budget decisions later in August.