I’m looking for anime similar to azumanga daioh that has a similar feel and energy to it while also being a slice of life primarily centered in a school setting like azumanga was
Azumanga Daioh is one of my favorites. I will recommend:
K-On!
Asobi Asobase
Nichojou
Lucky star
I don’t think anything can really match the chill out vibes of Azumanga Daioh combined with the absurdity / surreality. But if you like it I think you would like these.
Nichijou is pretty similar, however a bit more high energy.
Lucky Star
Nichijou
Grand Blue
Daily life of high school boys
On top of the other suggestions here, maybe Bochi the Rock? It’s a bit of a stretch, I admit.
So for me the closest in feeling to the surrealism and lack of excessive horny is probably Saiki K on Netflix
deleted by creator
Hidamari Sketch