@isaelijohjac maybe I am reading this wrong? Independent study is possible in NY. See the law below.
For a full homeschool curriculum, there does not seem to be an IS option, but for what the OP is thinking it could work as an elective. If she designed a “class” which focused on social justice, created a curriculum for the class, and got a teacher to sponsor her and supervise her it could work. This would allow her to reduce the total number of classes she would take (perhaps an English and a Math) then she could spend the rest of her time in her self designed independent study course. She would still be enrolled and it would show that the school is behind her and has approved her course, giving her the ability to show rigor. It would also really make her stand out as doing something different and interesting.
The issue with anything outside the box is that administrators are usually to busy to simply approve something different. It takes knowing the law and regulations. If the OP presented a proposal, which included a copy of the law below, as well as secured teacher support BEFORE going to the admin it could work. I did this with my unsupportive district two different times for two different kids. It took me about 2-3 months for each kid so that I could find the right channels, find supportive people, and finally get things approved. It was tough and I dealt with really difficult administrators but it was worth it for both kids.
From http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#d9 - states that 3 credits can be earned.
A second document dated 2015 has changed the number of credits from 3 to 6. An excerpt below:
New York State Commissioner’s Regulations permit the use of independent study for elective courses. No more than six elective credits towards a Regents diploma may be awarded for independent study. Students in independent study
must be approved by a school-based panel consisting of, at a minimum, the principal, a teacher in the subject area for
which independent study credit is sought, and a guidance director or other administrator. The panel must approve the
student’s participation based on the following criteria: the student has demonstrated readiness in the subject area in
which he or she is undertaking independent study and is on track to graduate (i.e., has accumulated the appropriate
credits and passing Regents exam scores).
An independent study must be academically rigorous, align to New York State commencement-level learning standards as outlined in a syllabus, and be of comparable scope and quality to a regular course. An independent study must be overseen by a teacher knowledgeable and experienced in the subject area of the independent study. The principal, after consultation with relevant faculty, shall award credit to the student for successful completion of the independent study and demonstrated mastery of the learning outcomes for the subject.