I would really like to work ahead of time and make the cupcakes for school now, however how long and how can I keep them fresh?
I won't be needing them until next week.

Thanks,

Cupcakes can last a few days unrefrigerated if they are covered. If you can bake and freeze them that is fine, but they would not last until next week (even covered) and be fresh still.

Since cupcakes are smaller than cakes, they get drier faster.

I agree with monizcel, the cupcakes won't last until next week. They do dry out quicker. Freezing would be my guess if you have to make them now.

Thank you for the replies, I will try to schedule this in next week then. My freezer is too small to put in 24 cupcakes.