Apparatus and methods are provided for priority-based adoption of access devices coupled to a wireless switch. A method comprises maintaining a respective adoption priority for each of a plurality of access devices adopted by the wireless switch. The method further comprises receiving, in response to a disconnection event, an adoption request from a first access device coupled to the wireless switch, wherein the first access device has an adoption priority. The method further comprises analyzing the adoption priority for the first access device, and responding to the adoption request in a manner that is influenced by the analysis.