My DD took 1 and 2 in MS (they did not offer any other option). She then took 3,5,6,AP in HS. No issues with skipping 4. It was common.

My DS was taking French in MS from 6th grade so when he got to 9th grade he was put in French 4 then in 10th French 5. We moved to another state where they only have 1-3 and then AP. He tried the AP class and it was light years ahead of MCPS version of French 5. Basically because they are starting the kids early in MS they drag the syllabus out.

Yes, please check that your middle and high school have the entire pathway, and don't go by website - actually contact the language department to ask, because I know some schools cut their programs without updating their website (looking at you, North Bethesda MS!).

My kid took AP French at his weekend native language school, like many international kids, since he did not take French within MCPS, but another language. Usually, for all languages, it's Language 1-4, then AP.

My DD is taking French 5 this year. She did 3 years in middle school - French 1-3 and then French 4 and French 5 in high school. Note of warning , not all schools offer AP French and we realized that after my DD joined Poolesville Magnet that they do not offer AP French and she will have to do French 4 and 5 instead. Along with French 5, she is giving the AP French exam this year by studying on her own so she can get the bilingual certificate from MCPS. There is no French 6. Most school that do offer AP French will do so as an option instead of French 5(i.e you can do French 1-5 or French 1-4 and AP French).
Hope this helps.

For kids who start in middle school, I believe you take French 1-6 and then AP.

French 3 is important foundational class. I would absolutely not recommend that someone takes it over summer school.

I am confused about the pathway for French. Do students take French 1-5 and then AP?
It seems like some of the other languages have 1-4 or 1-3 as prerequisites.
Mcps summer doesn’t include French 3. Are there any other options for completing a level if there is a schedule conflict with another important elective?